Barbara was born in Gatesville, Texas but spent much of her childhood in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1960. At a church event, she met a young man named Jeryl who quickly stole her heart, and the two were married on December 17, 1960—a marriage marked by deep love, faith, and devotion.
Barbara dedicated her life to her home and family, joyfully serving as a homemaker. Her faith was central to everything she did. She was deeply involved in church life, teaching Sunday School to elementary-aged children, faithfully chaperoning youth trips to Glorieta, New Mexico, supporting youth ministries. Sharing her love for Jesus was one of her greatest passions, and she often asked everyone she met, “Do you know Jesus?”
Women’s ministry held a special place in Barbara’s heart. She opened her home to host Bible studies for neighborhood women, forming lifelong friendships and encouraging many in their faith journeys. In later years, she served as a women’s Bible study coordinator, including many years at Great Hills Baptist Church. She also spoke at conferences, openly sharing how she experienced God’s healing and transformation in her own life, always with the desire that others might experience the same hope and grace.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Garlon Idell Berry and Flora Irene Berry. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Jeryl Gerdes; her son, Wayne Gerdes, and daughter-in-law, Angie Gerdes; her daughter, Laurie Adams; and her treasured grandsons, Evan Gerdes, Luke Gerdes, and Adam Gerdes.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at University Village Memory Care for the loving care they provided Barbara over the past 18 months. Their kindness, patience, and genuine affection brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Barbara and reassurance to her family. Their care was a true reflection of the love Barbara so freely gave to others throughout her life.
A visitation will be held on January 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, located at 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628, with the funeral service beginning at 10:30 am. Barbara will be privately laid to rest at IOOF Cemetery, Georgetown, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Crestview Baptist Church of Georgetown building fund, in support of spreading God’s redeeming love and saving grace—something Barbara was passionate about sharing with everyone she met.
