A Northern First Lady

Gerry Myers died early Sunday morning after a long, beautiful, vibrant life. She brought joy to those she met and exhibited the character of Christ throughout her ministry.

Dr. William R. “Bill” Myers & Geraldyne “Gerry” Myers

Gerry came to Northern because of her late husband Bill’s calling as Northern’s President. Previously serving in four American Baptist Churches, the Myers family brought their gifts and passion for theological education to Northern. She shared Bill’s vocation as First Lady and continued to serve the seminary until her passing. I met Gerry a few weeks after Bill died. She was still grieving privately, but personally she was as hospitable as ever. Even though time and age had taken its toll on her voice, they could not rob her of her mind or spirit. She was engaged at every level of Northern’s life. In subsequent visits, she asked about students, provided good insight on our expansion to Lisle and the South Side, and prayed for our community. She even shared a few moments with one of our alumni Nate Hickox while he was making pastoral visits at Windsor Park. Bill retired from the office of President years ago, but Gerry never stopped loving Northern Seminary. A frequent visitor to Founders Day, Gerry showed why the Psalmist sings, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

The Myers family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Oak Park. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the church. Private graveside services will follow.

Memorial gifts may be made to the William R. and Geraldyne B. Myers Professor of Ministry Chair or the Myers Scholarship fund at Northern Seminary.  Gifts may be made online at www.seminary.edu.  Select “Other” under designation and write “Myers Chair” or “Myers Scholarship”. Gifts can also be mailed to Northern Seminary, 410 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL  60532.

Providentially, while many from the Northern community gather to celebrate Gerry’s life, another Northern graduate, Sarah Becker, will be ordained to the gospel ministry. I think of no finer tributes to one of Northern’s First Ladies: remembering her life and ordaining a woman to ministry.

Well done, Gerry, God’s good and faithful servant. New generations arise to follow your footsteps and call you “Blessed.”

By President William D. Shiell