Geraldine (Gerry) Gregory passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024 at the age of 89. She was born in Jacksonville, FL on June 8, 1935 to Roland Lewis and Emily McDonnell Anderson and she was the wife of the late W. Stuart Gregory. Stu and Gerry had 4 children, Stuart (Mac) McDonnell (Trudi), Erin Gregory O'Brien, Eric (Andy) Anderson (Debbie) and Jeffrey Scott (Lisa) and resided and made their life in Bradenton, FL since 1963.
As a young child, Gerry moved primarily throughout the south as one of three daughters of a civil servant living in Decatur, GA, Washington DC and Jacksonville, FL before graduating from Florida State University in 1957 with a degree in Art History.
It was at FSU where she met a handsome skinny basketball player named Stu and they were married shortly thereafter. With 3 kids in tow and one on the way, they made their way to Bradenton and grew roots in the community and together built a successful insurance agency, DesChamps & Gregory.
An avid piano player, Gerry was able to play music by ear and entertained her kids and friends with renditions from musicals and contemporary music alike with Paint your Wagon and Oklahoma being a few of her favorites. She was also involved with State politics serving on the Governor's Council on Women and supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. Crossword puzzles never stood a chance either as she completed a New York Times game each day. She absolutely loved her animal friends too, especially her cats. Even the neighborhood felines would come by each night to be fed and petted. She would famously state she'd rather talk to the kitties than with people.
Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Stu and had 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. A celebration of Gerry's life will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in recognition of a life well lived, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Manatee County.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
