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Celebrating the life of

Jerrie Anne Wichman

Passed away on January 19, 2024

Jerrie Anne Wichman

Jerrie Anne Wichman peacefully and painlessly ascended from this world on Friday, January 19, 2024 in the arms of her mother and with her two sons by her side.  Jerrie had spent the past 8 months recovering from the loss of her husband, Tom, after his five-year battle with cancer, during which she never left his side.  A week prior to her passing, Jerrie had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  By the mercy of God, she was taken before having to choose her own battle with cancer.  Instead, her spirit was reunited with her husband Tom, just in time to celebrate their 55th anniversary.

Jerrie was born in Abbeville, GA on January 10th, 1948.  She was the first of four children of James and Ava Keene.  In high school Jerrie was a straight-A student, bookworm, member of the homecoming court, and a forward for the Americus High School state champion basketball team.  She graduated valedictorian of her class and continued on to college at Georgia Southwestern in Americus, GA.  While maintaining her studies and prestigious ambitions, she became president of her sorority and would then meet Tom (Tommy) Wichman, who she married just a few years later in 1969.  Tom, who often struggled in classes, attributed his study dates with Jerrie as the sole reason he was able to graduate college and apply to Officer Training School in the U.S. Air Force.  Tom often joked that in college, the only reason he learned how to study was because that, while they were dating, the only way he would get to see Jerrie was if he came over and studied with her.  The Air Force would lead to Tom and Jerrie’s adventures in Charleston, South Carolina, Germany, Atlanta, and Racine, Wisconsin- where they met several of their lifelong friends.  Tom’s career eventually led them to Savannah, Georgia, and Skidaway Island, a place they immediately fell in love with, and settled for the rest of their lives.

Jerrie, who earned her Masters in English, was a passionate and proven educator, leader, and team-builder, spending 33 years of her career in public education.  After years of teaching 6th grade English at Bartlett Middle School, Jerrie pursued a career in leadership and administration- moving on to become Vice Principal of Spencer Elementary, Principal of Largo-Tibet Elementary and Principal of White Bluff Elementary.  Jerrie’s accomplishments in team-building and administration led to her promotion to Director of Elementary Schools for the Savannah-Chatham Country Public School System- a position she would hold until her retirement in 2014.

Jerrie was a faithful Christian who loved God and her family more than anything.  Despite her busy schedule, she was always there for her husband and two boys, Josh & Jeff.  She was extremely organized and meticulously maintained a calendar of practices, games, appointments, church & school events, birthdays, anniversaries, and to-do lists. Her greatest joys in life were the birth of her grandchildren Brent, Charlotte, and Leia Grace- and the subsequent years of watching and well-spoiling them as they grew.  Aside from dedicating herself to her family, Jerrie enjoyed reading, tennis, boating, looking after her pets, the Atlanta Braves, watching every episode of Law & Order, and trips to the beach.

Jerrie always looked forward to annual reunions with her family in Cocoa Beach, FL along with annual Thanksgiving and Christmas trips to Abbeville and Macon, GA with her brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews.  Maintaining close relationships with her family was a priority throughout Jerrie’s life.  As a result, she helped instill a legacy of love and tight bonds amongst her children and extended family.

Jerrie is preceded in death by her husband Tom Wichman, father James Keene, and her brother Rick Keene.  She is survived by her mother Ava McKie, her two sons Josh (Gwen) Wichman and Jeff (Jill) Wichman, grandchildren Brent, Charlotte, Leia Grace, and her two brothers Kirk Keene and Doug Keene.

Flowers may be sent to Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors at 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Savannah, GA 31406. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah at 7215 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah, GA 31406

This is the reason we do not give up. Our human body is wearing out. But our spirits are getting stronger every day. The little troubles we suffer now for a short time are making us ready for the great things God is going to give us forever. We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever. (2 Cor 4:16-18 NLV)

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My sincerest condolences to y’all. Honored to know our families united. We had an old fashioned bond that I will always cherish. Much love and prayers for y’all .

- Frances S Johns , Savannah , GA

I am so sorry for your loss. May your Mother's memory be a blessing to you all. Martha Swindelle

- martha swindelle, savannah, GA

My thoughts and prayers to each of the family members. Such a beautiful blessing to have known her.

- JulieAnn Sturgess Therrell, Savannah , Ga

Jerrie, will truly be missed. She was a very sweet and loving person with a great personality. Joanne Lettow. Savannah, Ga.

- Ronald Joanne Lettow, Savannah, Georgia

I send my deepest condolences during this time of great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.

- Shirley Sherlock, Richmond Hill , Georgia

Our condolences on the passing of your love one praying for you and your family

- Emma Chaplin, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jerrie for several years as my direct supervisor when she was Director of Elementary Schools. She was a remarkable educator and individual. I admired and respected her greatly. She loved her family so much and would often talk about them. My prayers are with you all during this difficult period.

- Kim Hancock, Pooler, Ga

As I read Jerrie’s obituary and how close she was to family as her priority, she treated me, her school parent and then a principal she supervised the same. My son benefited from her work with her school at White Bluff, and I was a stronger leader as a principal from her mentoring. I am forever grateful to Jerrie and will miss her so much. I want to send love and ask blessings for her family. She did so much for children and teachers and administrators. Still can’t believe she was over all elementary schools. No one person has held that job since. It has been divided by two or three people since Jerrie!!!! She did so much for so many!!!!

- Lynne Phillips, Savannah, GA

We knew your parents when we lived in Racine and had many happy times with them. Thoughts and prayers to your whole family.

- Kathi and Joost Keesing, Davenport, FL

We are so very sorry to hear of Jerrie passing away so shortly after Tommy. She was so caring and so hospitable when Mom and I would come visit. You are in our prayers and sending big hugs to you all.

- Liz Beutel (Pam Zemlin’s daughter) , Naperville , IL

Josh Jeff and Ava, was shocked to hear of Jerri's passing. She actually been on my mind the passed 3 weeks but sorely I did not pick up the phone to say I love you. She so tirelessly along with her mom took car of Tom and didn't take care of herself. She is in God's hands now and with Tom.

- Richard J Easley, GA - Suwanee, GA

As a retired Bartlett Middle School and White Bluff Elementary School teacher, I am so sorry to hear of Jerrie’s passing. Her managerial style, diplomacy and support for her staff made my work with children so much easier and more fulfilling. Though I know she must have missed Tom terribly, and her cancer diagnosis would surely have made for a very difficult journey for her, I am saddened at this loss. I am lifting her family in prayers for peace and God’s solace.

- Stephanie Nolen Goss, Springfield , Georgia

I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Jerrie. We met when I moved to Savannah 15 years ago and began working at the board of education. Jerrie was my rock, I never would have survived in the position without her kindness and wisdom. After we both retired i looked forward to our frequent coffee visits. Her love for Tom and the kids was evident. May you rest in peace my friend snd your blessings be a memory for all who knew snd lived you.

- Sharon Sand, Savannah , GA

I worked with Jerrie at Bartlett as a reading teacher, she was an amazing person. Praying for her family God is our refuge and strength

- Bernadette Kelly, Rockland, MA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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