Jerry Sue Poland

She was born on July 29, 1942, in Rivesville, West Virginia, to Esta Calvin, Jr. and Virginia Maxine Davis Wilson.

Jerry is preceded in death by her daughter, Julia Dawn Poland, her parents Junior and Virginia Wilson, (like-parents) Aunt and Uncle Maxine and Ernie Wilson, and like-brother Terry Wilson.

She is survived by her loving husband James Leroy Poland; daughter Jenny Poland (Stacy Owen); sister Margaret Wadsworth Powell (Keith); brother Calvin Esta Wilson (Pam); two like-sisters Rebecca (Becky) Simms (Eric), Amy Jo Hall; and two like-brothers Ernie Jr Wilson (Jan) and Peter John Wilson (Ellen), and numerous nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

Jerry grew up in Metz, West Virginia, and was valedictorian of her class at Mannington High School. She spent time working in the family TV shop and Drive-In theater while growing up. She graduated from Fairmont State College in 1964 and earned a M.S. degree in pharmacology from West Virginia University. She met her husband Jim at West Virginia University and the two married on June 4, 1966.

The family moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1967. Jerry focused on raising their two daughters and spent numerous hours volunteering at their schools working in the libraries. She volunteered at their church (Bon Air United Methodist Church) teaching Sunday school, serving on the prayer shawl committee. She also spent several years as a docent at the Valentine Museum and assisting her husband proctoring medical exams at the Medical College of Virginia (now part of VCU).

Jerry and Jim downsized and moved to Salem, Virginia in 2023 to be closer to their daughter and her husband. Here they enjoyed the mountain views and attended Windsor Hills United Methodist Church.

Jerry enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles, sitting by the fireplace, and spending time with family and friends. She will be best known for her cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookie trays were appreciated by all who were lucky to receive them and the Wilson Family Cookbook is valued by all that have a copy.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Woody Funeral Home – Huguenot Chapel at 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. The funeral will start at 11 am. The family will receive guest one hour prior to the funeral service.

Donations to the Salvation Army may be made in lieu of flowers.