Virginia (Jerrell ) Gerard, 97, of Glen Carbon, IL went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Anderson Hospital, Maryville IL.

She was born September 23, 1925, in Pulaski County, IL, the daughter of Ernest and Lola Thornton.  Virginia married Lyndal Jerrell on July 5, 1943.  He preceded her in death on September 23, 1981.  She married Leslie Jerrell on November 14, 1986 and he preceded her in death on July 18, 2001.  On October 14, 2006 Virginia married Jess Gerard, he preceded her in death on September 10, 2017.

Virginia is survived by her daughter Linda (Al) Pflasterer of Centralia, IL and daughter Faye (Bob) Ross of of Collinsville, IL.  Also surviving are five granddaughters; Robin Ross of Boliver, MO, Amy (Jayson) Bauer of Gulf Breeze FL, Jennifer (Brad) Keene of Collinsville, IL, Jill (Michael) Ceretto of Collinsville, IL and Carrie (Jason) Green of Centralia, IL; Twelve great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, sister Karen Walls of Mt. Vernon, IL sister-in-law Patty Thornton of Rushville, IL and extended family with many nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved her family!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Lola Thornton, her husbands, 4 brothers; Ray Thornton, Eugene Thornton, Wilburn Thornton and Billy Thornton.

Virginia was devoted...Christian and long standing member of Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for many years.  She enjoyed being a homemaker, gardening, sewing, cooking especially pies for her family.  Over the years she enjoyed traveling to many states, the Smokey Mountains in fall being a favorite.  Virginia was faithful to always send cards to family and friends on birthdays, anniversaries, and all occasions.  In later years she became an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and enjoyed watching golf on tv, and keeping in touch with family via Facebook.  Her sense of humor, beautiful smile and kind heart will be missed.

Services will be at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, Glen Carbon, IL, on Thursday, November 17, 2022 with a visitation from 10:00 a.m -11:30 a.m., with services starting at 11:30 a.m. Burial will also follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery, officiating will be Pastor Ed Ingram.

Memorial donations will be accepted at the funeral home for Sterling Baptist Church.