Geryl "Gerry" Pointer

Geryl “Gerry” Ann Pointer, passed away on Saturday, August 3rd at her home after her courageous battle with cancer. Gerry was born on September 25th, 1947, to Gerald “Mike” Evan Whalen and Mayola Grace Whalen (Massey) in Alton, Illinois.

Gerry grew up in South Roxana and graduated from Roxana High School, where she made lifelong friendships from the Class of 1965. She graduated from Illinois State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and later obtained her Master’s Degree in Education from SIUE. She was employed by the Granite City School District for 35 years, teaching 2nd, 5th, and 6th grades until she retired in 2004. Gerry was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Alton.

Gerry considered herself a homebody and spent her time gardening, sewing, and quilting. She and Gary traveled and dined frequently with their close friends. Gerry loved to spend time at their lakehouse.

After a long and heroic battle with cancer, Gerry is survived by her husband, Gary, her very special daughter, Rachael Beard, son-in-law Jared Beard, her best buddy and grandson, Cole Beard, daughter in law Jenny Pointer, and granddaughter, Monroe Pointer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in laws Gentry and Pearl Pointer, special aunts June Hinzs and Mickey Smith, a still born daughter, Jane, and most beloved son, Michael Gentry Pointer.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 11am until time of services at 1pm on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Rev. Andre Dobson will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation with checks payable to Gary Pointer for a future memorial fund in memory of Gerry.