Gerald "Jerry" Clyde Woolston

Gerald, known to many as Jerry, was born on December 5, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, to Clyde and Elois (Bishop) Woolston. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep curiosity about the world, a love of learning, and a strong sense of purpose—qualities that would define his life and legacy.

Jerry devoted nearly four decades to education, shaping generations of students through his passion for history and civic responsibility. He began his teaching career at Alba Public Schools in Alba, Michigan, where he taught for one year, before moving to Holt High School in Holt, Michigan. There, he taught U.S. History, World History, and Military History for 38 years, retiring in 2003. His classroom was a place of rigor, respect, and inspiration, and his influence extended far beyond textbooks.

In addition to teaching, Jerry was deeply committed to student well-being and leadership. He developed several impactful programs at Holt High School, including SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), Peer Resistance, and PAL (Peer Assistance Listeners). In 1981, he chaperoned thirteen Holt High School students on a 21-day exchange program to Germany with the Elisa-Brandström-Gymnasium, an experience that broadened horizons and forged lifelong memories.

Jerry’s own educational journey was equally remarkable. He originally joined ministerial classes at Muskingum College, later becoming the first graduate of Spring Arbor College in January 1965—a distinction he carried with pride. He also played football at Taft Junior College in Taft, California, graduating in 1962, and went on to earn his master’s degree in administration from Michigan State University in 1973.

Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a man of many interests and quiet talents. He was an avid fisherman, a gifted artist and photographer, and a devoted Michigan State University Spartans fan. His faith was an important part of his life, and he served faithfully as an elder at Mason First Presbyterian Church, giving generously of his time, wisdom, and leadership.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Elois Woolston; his sister, JoAnn Snyder; his brother-in-law, Ernie Snyder; his niece, Bonnie (Snyder) Hollern; his brother, Richard Woolston who passed as an infant; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Judith (Jones) Woolston, whose partnership and love were central to his life. He also leaves behind his children: Jeffery (Larissa) Woolston of Scottsdale, Arizona; Jonathan (Abbie) Woolston of Orange Beach, Alabama; Joel (Jacqueline) Woolston of Ithaca, Michigan; and Julee (Jeffrey) Burgess of East Lansing, Michigan. Jerry was a proud and devoted grandfather to granddaughters - Ashleigh Woolston, Hannah Woolston, Natalie Woolston, Alivia Woolston and grandsons - Hunter Woolston, Raymond Chenoweth, Zachary Chenoweth, Davis Burgess, Samuel Burgess, Connor Woolston, and Maxwell Burgess, as well as two great-grandchildren – Kennedie and Landon Chenoweth, all of whom brought him great joy and pride.

Visitation will be held at Mason First Presbyterian Church – 131 E. Maple St in Mason, Michigan, on Friday, January 16th from 5-7pm. Funeral services will also be held at Mason First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00am with a visitation with the family one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mason First Presbyterian Church or The Mitten Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Foundation, themittenfoundation.org

Jerry will be remembered as a dedicated educator, a faithful servant, a lifelong learner, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the values he so faithfully lived by.