Jerri Hills Alexander

Jerri Hills Alexander, a treasure to her family and friends, passed away on July 10th, 2011, at her home in Abilene, Texas. Jerri's life was marked by strong faith in God, love for family, and service to the Episcopal Church and the Abilene community. Her devoted husband, three children, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many dear friends live as proof of the rich heritage she leaves behind. Jerri was born in Rule, Texas to Mildred Morris Austin and Walter B. Hills. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic Academy, Abilene High School and Texas Tech University and married James Minor Alexander on April 9th, 1955. Jerri claimed that meeting Jim was the best thing that ever happened to her. They celebrated 56 years of life together, much of which was spent in Abilene. At The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, her beloved church, she was an inspirational force behind a Bible study group that met every Thursday for over 15 years. In addition, she served on the altar guild, as a lay reader, and through hours spent in prayer. As a faithful community servant, Jerri was a founding member of Hospice of Abilene and began the organization's Rainbow Program, which helps children dealing with grief caused by the death of a loved one or divorce. Together, Jim and Jerri have supported and served on the Board of numerous organizations including West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Cancer Services Network, The Grace Museum, The Community Foundation of Abilene, The Center for Contemporary Arts, Junior League of Abilene, Disabilities Resource Inc., and the Abilene Cotillion Club. Jerri is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Morris Austin, W.D. Austin and Walter B. Hills, and her sister, Anne Hills Gaskill. She is survived by her husband, James M. Alexander, of Abilene; her three children, Laurie Eagle and her husband, Bob; Cathey Weatherl and her husband, Rick; Mike Alexander and his wife, Suzanne, all of Abilene; her brother, Waddy Hills and wife, Margie, of Funston; her grandchildren, Emily Eagle Clarke and her husband, Walter, of Dallas; Alex Eagle and his wife, Lauren, of Abilene; Rob Eagle and his wife, Blake, of Abilene; Andrew Weatherl and his wife, Leah, of Dallas; Carrie Cook of Houston; Annie Weatherl McBride and her husband, Matt, of Franklin, Tenn.; Allie Cook Davis and her husband, Eric, of Columbia, Tenn.; Mary Catherine Cook of Abilene; Minor Alexander and his wife, Lexi, of Dallas; Mary Ellen Alexander of Abilene; and Grant Alexander of Abilene; her great-grandchildren, Lincoln Clarke of Dallas; Anna Eagle of Abilene; and Grey and Lucy McBride of Franklin, Tenn.; and her nieces, Cheryl Dobson of Joplin, Mo. and Carrie Clausen of Arvada, Co. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons Alex Eagle, Rob Eagle, Minor Alexander, Grant Alexander, Andrew Weatherl, Walter Clarke, Matt McBride and Eric Davis. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13th at the Alexander home. A service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 14th at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest with The Right Reverend J. Scott Mayer, Bishop, Diocese of Northwest Texas and The Reverend Luke Back officiating. Arrangements are being handled by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorial gifts may be given to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Hospice of the Big Country, Cancer Services Network or The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Victor Hirsch and his staff as well as the caregivers from Sears Specialty Services and Hospice of the Big Country.