Geraldene Tierney Morey

Geraldene Tierney Barrett was born to Myers Edward and Anna Tierney Barrett on January 26, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her education began at West Homestead Elementary and Junior High Schools and continued at Munhall High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Judson College in Chicago, Illinois and a California teaching credential and Master’s Degree from California State University in Northridge, California.

Gerry moved to Ventura, California upon graduation from Judson to become Director of Christian Education at the First Baptist Church. After four years, she assumed the position of Church School Counselor for the National Office of the American Baptist Convention, working in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia.

On April 19, 1958 Gerry married the love of her life, native Californian , Roger Morey, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They established their home in Newhall, where Roger began to work at Hilburn’s Funeral Chapel (which became Gates Kingsly gates, and ultimately, Eternal Valley).

Gerry established a new career, this time in public education. She began as a substitute teacher in the Newhall, Sulphur Springs, and Castaic School Districts. By September of 1958, she had her own class of 5th graders at Newhall School. In 1966, she became the Assistant Principal at that school, and in 1968 served as the Director of Instructional and Curriculum Service for that District.

Gerry was appointed the principal of Wiley Canyon School in 1969 where she remained until 1987. Her tenure there was marked by an emphasis on meeting the needs of individual students. The instructional staff was a finely tuned instrument dedicated to meeting those needs. The success of that goal lay in Gerry’s belief that planning was the key to effective programming. Wiley Canyon was a distinguished school long before that award became available.

Her final administrative assignment was to draw up comprehensive plans for the opening of the next new school site, Valencia Valley School, and to become their first principal. She devoted a year to planning the program and selecting the faculty. Applying her high standards to every aspect of this preparation ensured the exceptional quality in which that school functioned.

Upon her retirement in 1992, she indulged in her passion for travel, visiting many parts of the United States and Europe. She also immersed herself in a variety of local organizations Xi Nu Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Red Hat Society, The Santa Clarita Division of California Retired Teachers’ Association, and a local book club. Though equally adept as a supportive member, she was often in a leadership position. Whatever the role, Gerry always exhibited tact, graciousness, dependability, and a sense of humor.

In addition, she was a member of Grace Baptist Church and served as a Guide/Teacher of a local Stonecroft Ministries Bible Study. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was the basis of everything that mattered to her.

Gerry was a sought-after inspirational speaker and a valuable resource for educational consultations. She was an active participant in instructing student teachers not only for the Newhall School District but also for The Master’s College; even traveling to Albania to assist the college in fulfilling that government’s request to teach their leaders and teachers about American education and techniques for effective learning.

In her spare time, she enjoyed swimming, reading, and going for walks (if she was able). Most enjoyable and meaningful to her was spending time with her granddaughter, Mackenzie.

Gerry is preceded in death by her beloved Roger; also, by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Richard Mikesell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Paula McElhinney (John) and her step grandson Derek Connor (Marian) and great-grandson Justice Conner (Jaidynn) all of Utah. Step granddaughter Kristen Montan (Aaron) and great-granddaughter Hailey Montan of San Diego, CA. In addition, she leaves to mourn her extended family: granddaughter Mackenzie James and Renae James of Wexford PA, Michelle James of Cranberry Township PA, and Deb Noe of New Albany OH.

Gerry’s unique ability to project her love and acceptance of others won her many, many friends over the years, and each of them now morn her passing. Her legacy of excellence, integrity, and authenticity will be long remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Gerry’s memorial service will take place on Thursday, March 13, at Grace Baptist Church, 22833 Copper Hill Drive in Santa Clarita CA 91350. The viewing will be at 10 am with the service at 11 am and a reception to follow. A brief graveside service will then be held at 2:30 pm at the mausoleum of Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary, 23287 Sierra Highway in Newhall CA 91321.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry’s name to the Santa Clarita Scholarship Foundation at P.O. Box 220236, Santa Clarita CA 91322.

You may also go to the Eternal Valley website to add a memory of Gerry or send flowers for the service.