Gerald Gene "Jerry" Elmore

Gerald Gene “Jerry” Elmore was born in Dallas, Texas, on January 20, 1927, to Elba Winfield Elmore and Mary Serena Blackstone Elmore. He passed peacefully from this earthly life to his heavenly reward at 91 years of age on July 9, 2018, with his loving wife of more than 70 years, his two daughters, and other beloved family members at his side.

Jerry met the love of his life, Steloise Averitt, at Southwest Church of Christ when they were both young children. They reconnected when Jerry returned from serving in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII. They were married on November 25, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. Jerry graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from George Pepperdine College in 1949, and completed a Master’s degree in Religious Education at Pepperdine University in 1975. After completing his active duty service, Jerry proudly served 20 years in the Naval Reserve, reaching the rank of Lt. Commander before his retirement. Jerry and Stel lived in Bakersfield, California for more than 60 years, where they raised their three children and were engaged in many community activities. Jerry served faithfully as an elder of the Central Church of Christ for more than 42 years, where he was a much-loved Bible teacher and mentor to many. Jerry spent most of his professional life working as a stockbroker, retiring from Dean Witter Reynolds. They moved to Abilene in 2004, and were active members of Highland Church of Christ, serving in various ministry roles through the years.

Jerry loved God, his wife, his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren passionately. He was a devoted husband and a generous, wise and loving father, modeling Godly living for all those around him. He had a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor right to the end of his life. He enjoyed spending time along the California coastline, hiking in the high Sierras, trout fishing and traveling the world with Stel. He took great delight in a good meal shared with family or friends, and often ate his dessert first…especially if it was peanut butter pie or some dark chocolate. He was a man who openly spoke of his love for each of us and expressed his gratitude for his family often. His was a life very well lived and he will be deeply missed until we are together again.

His parents, his sister, Joan Elmore Chase, and his beloved son, Lawrence Averitt Elmore, preceded Jerry in death. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Steloise; daughter Lora Sue Walker and husband, Wayne, daughter Cheryl Elmore Cunningham and husband, Rob; eight grandchildren, Lyndsay Elmore Warren (Dylan), Chase Elmore (Cherith), Daily Elmore, Kelsey Elmore Taitano (Jordan), Justin Walker (Jennifer), Julie Walker McWilliams (Darren), Lauren Cunningham and Grant Cunningham (Laura); and eleven great-grandchildren. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Highland Church of Christ, room 112. The gathering will be informal, in a setting he loved most…family and friends gathered around a table. Dessert will be served and guests are welcome to dress casually. Burial will be at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christian Service Center or FaithWorks of Abilene. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.