Helen “Pet” Gerson, 86, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022. Born to Connie Marshall Mellard, Sr. and Pauline Watts Mellard on June 7, 1935 in West Monroe, Louisiana, she was her parent’s favorite “Pet” as a child.
Spending almost all her life in southeast Texas, Pet always led an active lifestyle and was known to run circles around most everyone. Pet’s decades-long favorite activity was playing racquetball at the “Y” or Christus H.W.C., and especially enjoyed playing with her granddaughter Kristina. When away from the court, Pet could not sit still as there was always something to work on at the house. Having a natural green thumb, one could always count on Pet being outside digging in the flower beds, fixing a broken sprinkler head, or working to achieve that elusive perfectly green lawn. Though very active, one could hardly believe that Pet’s primary food intake was that of Mountain Dew, Angel Food Cake and Blue Bell Ice Cream – all staples in the home. In actuality, she was an excellent cook and a wonderful host for any holiday or party.
When Pet took a moment to relax, she was a voracious crossword puzzler and loved TV game shows and NFL football. She enjoyed playing cards, especially with her friend Larry Theriot in their years-long standing game that took place almost daily. She also enjoyed sharing a good jigsaw puzzle with her daughter Jan every Saturday evening after heading home from church at St. Jude’s of Beaumont.
Pet was a loving and supportive wife to her late husband, Judge Al Gerson. She stood by his side faithfully in both their private and public lives, and served as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association Auxiliary. Pet adored her three grandchildren; always excited to learn of their next accomplishment, she tirelessly ensured that they were never in want or need. Pet loved her family, and had a very special and close relationship with her siblings. Always supportive and open to hosting and helping others, Pet was always ready to open her doors to anyone.
Pet is survived by her daughter Jan Rothenberger (Gary) of Beaumont, granddaughter Kristina Jennings of Benbrook, grandson Reagan Rothenberger of Dallas, granddaughter Jessica Jennings of Beaumont, sisters Mary McGraw of Heath, Patti Greene (Eddie) of Kingwood, Evelyn Moore of Katy, brother Connie Marshall Mellard, Jr. (Mickey) of Mexico, and many nieces and nephews.
Pet is preceded in death by her parents, husband The Honorable Alfred S. Gerson, son Jay Jennings, sister Fredna Cruseturner, and brother Dr. James Mellard.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM. Pet will be laid to rest with her late husband in the Private Estates of Forest Lawn Memorial Park immediately following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Charities Fund of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church of Beaumont, 6825 Gladys Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77706. The family would like to thank Pelican Bay Assisted Living, and sitters Maryann and Cathy for their daily attention provided to Ms. Gerson.
