Geraldlyn "Gerry" Joye Watts Strahan

Geraldlyn “Gerry” Joye Watts Strahan of Houston passed away Tuesday, February 11, at Good Shepherd Medical Center following a 37-month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Services will be held Saturday, February 15, at 2 p. m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with visitation at 1 p. m. The Reverend Jay Barnes will officiate. A Celebration of Life service will be held later in Houston.

Gerry was born in El Dorado, AR, on May 24, 1938, to the late Belmont Cochran Watts and Benton Watts of Kilgore, TX. She attended school in Norphlet, AR, through the eleventh grade. After graduating from Kilgore High School, Gerry earned an Associate of Arts from Kilgore College and a Bachelor of Science in home economics and Master of Education at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Gerry was a beloved educator, who devoted 43 years to making a difference in the lives of students. Students, coworkers, and parents highly respected and appreciated her. She taught home economics at Nederland High School, Nederland, TX; and third grade for 38 years at Sheldon Elementary in Sheldon ISD, Sheldon, TX, where she was selected as Teacher of the Year. She was active in Glendale Baptist Church and a lifetime member of Texas State Teachers Association and Sheldon PTA.

A loving and dedicated wife, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, Gerry enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her kind and extraordinarily loving, generous spirit and warm, contagious smile will live on in the memories of those blessed to know her.

Gerry became affectionately known as Gigi after her great niece, Hannah, chose that name. Being Hannah’s “Gigi” was one of her most rewarding roles.

She is survived by her husband Howard Eston Strahan, Houston; sister Patricia (Patty) Joan Watts, Kilgore; sister, Bennie Jane Watts Brown (Ron), Longview; nephew, Kevin W. Brown, Kilgore, and fiancée, Brigette Wilsford, Longview; niece, Karen Morris and (John), Corinth; brother-in-law, Nelson Strahan (Frances), Houston; brother-in-law Kyle Gene Strahan (Fran), Beaumont; nieces, Denise Lunski (Kent) and Heather Strahan; nephews Gary Strahan (Jill), Scotty Strahan (Katherine); and Michael Strahan (Shannon); great nieces and nephews Hannah Grace Morris; Ben, Jenny, Joe, David, Cooper, Dylan, and Wyatt Strahan; and Gene and Christopher Lunski. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Helen Marie Watts; brother, James Benton Watts; and nephew, Greg Strahan.

The family extends a special thank you to caregivers of God’s Best Private Care: Carlette (CeCe) Cuba Yett, Andreeca Thompson, Reshia Willis, LeCreshia George, Yolita Hyder, Kendra Ponton, Kymiah Thomas, Charmaine Morgan, Marie Peoples, and Simone Ephraim. ,

Gerry and Howard were avid supporters of Selwyn College Preparatory School, where Hannah attends school. The Lower School Building, including Hannah’s classroom, was destroyed by fire in 2012. Memorial contributions may be made in Gerry’s name to the Building Fund for Selwyn College Preparatory School, 3333 West University Drive, Denton, TX 76207. Contributions may be made at www.selwynschool.com/giving, by mail, or by telephone (940.382.6771).