Obituary

Jerry Gayer Dick
December 2, 1927 - February 20, 2019



Jerry Gayer Dick, age 91 and a resident of Franklinton died Wednesday morning February 20, 2019 at her home. She had been lovingly cared for during the last months by her husband of 69 years, Carl Dick and her family. Jerry was a music educator and choral director for many years in the Washington Parish School System, as well as music director of First Baptist Church of Franklinton. During her many years with the church, she began a handbell choir and senior adult choir. “Miss Jerry”, as she was affectionately known, touched thousands of people of all ages with her musical talents. She never stopped teaching and learning.

Jerry was a longtime member of the Waverly Club and a 50 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was chosen as Franklinton Citizen of the Year in 1995 for her service to the community. Jerry was involved with the Franklinton Community Theater and countless performances in churches and schools throughout the parish and at the Washington Parish Free Fair. She spearheaded the effort that led to the Keyboard Praise piano performance event held for several years. Jerry enjoyed quilting and always loved spending time with her family.

Survived by: Husband: Carl Dick of Franklinton; 2 Daughters and Sons in law: Carla and Dr. Robert “Bobby” Stafford of Folsom, Marsha and Richard Newman of Franklinton; 4 Grandsons and Spouses: Russell and Kelly Stafford of Covington, Scott Newman of Arlington, TN, Greg and Megan Stafford of Baton Rouge, Ricky and Kellie Newman of River Ridge; 5 Great-grandchildren and Spouses: Brooks Newman, Natalie Newman, Jack Stafford, Candice Ditcharo and fiancé Phillip Palisi, Casey and Justin Duplantis; 5 Great-great-grandchildren: Kadence, Kaelynn, Kyndall, Giovanni, Oliver; Also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles J. Gayer and Ida Corkern Gayer, 2 sisters and brothers in law Helen G. and Arlie Passman, Earline G. and Joe Lewis, sister in law and brother in law Evelyn and Charles Cassidy, brother in law and sister in law George and Marie Dick and a niece Carol Cassidy Bush.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday February 22nd from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday at First Baptist Church of Franklinton (950 Self Street, Franklinton) from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Saturday with Rev. Paul Watts, Rev. Joey Miller, and Dr. Joe Baugh officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to First Baptist Church of Franklinton or the Music Department of Franklinton High School.

A special thank you to Dr. Chris Foret and Hospice Specialists of Louisiana for their care and support.

Pallbearers: Russell Stafford, Greg Stafford, Scott Newman, Ricky Newman, Mitch Bueto, Scott Dick

Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Cassidy, Dr. Rob Brown, Frank Brown, Barrett Brown, members of the FBC Handbell Choir, members of the FBC Senior Singers, and her classmates of the Gleaners Sunday School Class.