May 28, 2008
There was never any mistaking that voice, or the Bible raised high above her head, or the joy, passion and energy of her preaching – sometimes with such intensity that the perspiration would roll down her face and arms. Hers was the kind of soul-searing conviction that brings you right up out of your seat – it could also be the sweet, gentle story that soothed and comforted. There was that hearty, unmistakable laughter. And the way she said “Jesus.”
Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey was many things to many people – Pastor, Healer, Friend, Sister, Lover, Mother, Elder. She defined “butch” for many in her generation. She broke down barriers of gender and race. She was the first woman pastor of MCC Los Angeles; she was the first Native American MCC Elder.
Her prayers were “effectual” in a deeply, Biblical way. In a more frail state, more recently at the General Conference in Calgary in 2005, 500 people crammed into an upper room, and even when you could not hear her weak voice that night, you could feel her presence, the healing presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. To be around her was to expect miracles, and to receive them. Even her presence was healing.
I have so many memories of Jeri Ann – serving with her on the Board of Elders, hearing her preach and pray, laughing with her late at night after a long meeting.
Jeri Ann loved. She loved women and men; she loved kids and puppies. She loved the freedom and the power of the gospel of Jesus that she heard and shared on so many continents through MCC. She loved good music, religious music. She loved a good story. She loved our MCC churches, members and pastors, in small or larger churches. She prayed with them, wept with them. She traveled all over the world; she wore herself out sometimes. She gave until it hurt, many times.
The stories of her life and ministry became our history.
She confronted the Ku Klux Klan in Texas.
She battled for civil rights in California.
And like so many of us in the 80’s and 90’s she did too many funerals. She buried too many friends – from HIV/AIDS, from breast cancer, from all the things that take too many too soon.
Jeri Ann Harvey preached hope and she lived hope. She endured a lot; she suffered and struggled a lot. Through it all, she was a fighter and a lover and an icon for many.
She loved Rev. Elder Gillian Storey, and was full of romance and playful friendship, right up to the end. We thank you Gill, for loving and caring for Jeri Ann with joy and faithfulness.
May her memory be for a blessing. May perpetual light shine upon her. May all that she was and offered be remembered and bear much fruit, in Jesus’ name.
Grace and peace,
+Nancy
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
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29 May 2008 at 3:28 am
Rev. Jim Merritt
I fell in love with Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey the first time I met her. She came to preach at Church of the Trinity in Sarasota when I was a transfer clergy candidate there. I was so drawn to her when it was time for prayer I went forward and knealt at her feet. She said, “You’re on the right track.” I believed her. Later she invited me to participate in a healing service with her. She said, “You’ve got the gift.” I was honored by her invitation and affirmation. When I was with her at Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson’s installation as Moderator, she drew me close to her and quietly said to me, “It’s up to you now to make sure what we do continues in MCC.” I know she made that statement to several of us. I am blessed to have received the love Jeri Ann Harvey shared with so many. I am blessed to have sat with her and Gill in their home, in the hospital, in our churches and around our Fellowship. When it is time for me to cross over, I hope she will be one of the ones who comes to greet me. She will always live in my heart. Gill, I love you and I bless you and we are here for you if you need us. Thank you, Jesus, for the life and love of Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey!
29 May 2008 at 3:39 am
Rev. Jon Haack
Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey was one that I remember who so very passionately proclaimed the good news of Jesus. When she was ministering, it seemed that her Bible was never out of her hand, unless she was laying hands on someone in a prayer for healing. And her passion for Jesus was demonstrated in more than just words, but in her love shown to all.
Jeri Ann was one whose very presence brought a sense of the Holy presence of the Spirit. She was one who could embrace the most diverse among us, and yet always lift up the name of Jesus.
A fine pioneer has gone home to her rest. And yet, in some way, it seems almost a sure thing that she has just moved on to another mission field. We prayed this night at church for Gill and for all who will mourn Jeri Ann’s homegoing. May the inspiration of her journey strengthen us all for our own faithful witness.
Peace,
Rev. Jon Haack
Senior Pastor
Promise Metropolitan Community Church, Dallas, Texas
29 May 2008 at 4:42 am
Pastor Sam Wyman
Walking ahead on the journey, she was always turning around and waving us forward. “Come on!” she said. “There’s so much MORE to see!”
I first came to UFMCC, my Christian cradle, in 1984. And soon Jeri Ann Harvey was one of the hands rocking that cradle — and getting me on my feet, teaching me how to walk. She never left me, though she walked on ahead. She was a true shepherd — leading the way, not driving from behind, though it seemed — at times — that she was on all sides at once.
Serving as liaison between MCC-Washington and Jeri Ann in the late ’80’s, there were so many moments. Quick and deep lessons. The time she sat with a small group of us not long after she had spent some time in a hospital and taught us her new understanding of Psalm 23 — He MAKES me lie down in green pastures…..
That streak of white in her hair. God’s Lightning Bolt!
The times in prayer ministry together. All her mentoring. Her encouragement and continual prayers no matter how far away as I was going through a journey that commanded a courage that could only come from God.
It seemed she was never too tired to take a moment aside and prod a wavering sheep through the narrow passages.
I shall be forever grateful for her mentoring in the call journey. I hear still the rich tenor of her voice as she cautioned me to honor and claim that call and to step out in faith and boldness to follow where God chose to use me. When that call led out of the shelter of my cradle and took me to places quite unexpected, to a church without walls, those rich tones continued — “Don’t look back. Keep on going.”
Jeri Ann, you ran the race and showed us how it’s done. I’m sure you kept your fork — no, a really big spoon! Dessert is going to be amazing!
Thank You, Holy God, for the gift of Your Servant, Jeri Ann!
29 May 2008 at 1:10 pm
Rev. Jennifer Paty
Right after I retired from the Navy and was living in Pensacola Florida, I found myself in lay leadership in Holy Cross MCC. My first charge was to take care of this “healing evangelist” Rev. Elder Jerri Ann Harvey. I was to set up the weekend, make sure she had a nice room at a good location and make sure she had transportation where ever she needed to go. It was 1997 and because I had been in the Navy for 20 years had been sporadically in and out of many MCC churches, I did not know who Jerri Ann Harvey was. Well about a week before she was to arrive, we got word she was in hospital. It sounded very serious and I was sure that she would not be able to come. By this time I had been “dialed in” to who Jerri Ann was and what she meant to the folks at Holy Cross MCC. It did not take long to find out that the entire fellowship felt the same way. And now I was going to miss the opportunity to meet this seemingly bigger than life “healing evangelist”. I was happy that she was going to be ok in hospital, but saddened that she would not be able to come to HCMCC. Well how wrong was I to assume that a little heart and breathing problem would keep Jerri Ann Harvey away from a good healing service and her triumphant entry on Palm Sunday? It was Palm Sunday weekend 1997 and Jerri Ann Harvey was coming to Pensacola Florida and that was all there was to it. If I remember correctly, Larry Hauffee and Rev. Lee Carlton picked her up at the Airport on Friday night and had a visit before she retired for the evening. I drove over to the hotel room on Saturday morning, to take her to breakfast, and knocked on her door with a 4 month old Beagle puppy in my hands. Needless to say, I was a big hit. Well let me speak the truth of the matter, Maggie my beagle was a big hit. I had no way of knowing of Jerry Ann’s puppy obsession nor did I know how many points I would make by having Maggie with me. I made lots of points that weekend and almost lost my dog in the process. Every time I have seen Jerri Ann over the past 12 years, she first asks me “how is my (her) little friend Maggie doing” and then she asks about me. I guess you could say, she never forgot a dog or a dog owner’s face. Lastly I will share this with you, Jerry Ann Harvey touched a lot of folks that Saturday night and we can all be grateful of her healing ministry. When I told Jerri Ann that I had never even been to a healing service she asked me to be a “catcher” and gave me my instructions right before the service. I can hear some of you laughing… Trust me, I know about healing services now. Thank you Rev. Elder Jerri Ann Harvey for being a healer, teacher, and a preacher. And thank you for teaching me to say yes to God when I have a gift “Donkey” that the Lord has need of. I have never forgotten that Palm Sunday sermon. Your message of “giving it up when the God has need of it” lives in me as a driving force behind my own ministry. Thank you for always saying yes when God had need of you.
Peace and Light
Jennifer
29 May 2008 at 1:27 pm
Rev. Darrell Fitzgerald
The first time I met Jeri Ann was at a Spiritual Renewal Weekend in Washington DC. What a pistol! She was dressed in her clerics, green western boots and a green blazer. When she preached that night, I was in absolute awe and I fell in love with her. To say that her passion and her conviction for the Gospel of Jesus Christ inspired me would be an understatement.
Little did I know then that God would grant me the great honor of working with this incredible woman. She was my friend, my mentor and I am eternally grateful that I got to experience her life and ministry. It truly was life changing for me. Her encouragement, love and support enabled me to enter ministry and begin this journey.
Jeri Ann, I love you and I miss you – but I’ll see when I get there. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
Gill we love you and we’re praying for you. Thank you for taking such good care of this precious gift from God and making her last days here ones filled with love and joy.
Rev. Darrell Fitzgerald
Staff Clergy
Covenant Community Church, Birmingham Alabama
29 May 2008 at 1:37 pm
Lorretta Woodbury
I have received so many gifts from MCC and Jeri Ann was definately one of them. I will never forget Jeri Ann.. When she gave a sermon it was impossible for me to not give her, and the sermon, my full attention. When I would run into her at the store or the bank, her vibrance was felt all around her.
She touched the hearts and lives of so many and asked for so little. Jeri Ann was passionate about all she stood for and believed in..
Jeri Ann, I will always remember you and am glad you have made it home.
Til we meet again…
29 May 2008 at 2:21 pm
Frank Zerilli
My pastor, my friend, what can I say? I’m going to miss you so much. I remember your last Sunday as Pastor of MCC-LA, I sat in the first row and cried through the entire service. I thought I was going to miss you so much then. That was nothing compared to now! Thank you for being there when we needed you, and you always were.
See you at the Eastern Gate!
29 May 2008 at 2:41 pm
Valda Lewis
Lots of fond memories Jeri Ann, thank you for all of them.
I am honored that our paths crossed so many times.
Thank you for your kindness, compassion and understanding, and the occasional (non-judgmental) prod in the right direction!
Rest in peace Jeri Ann, I’ll be looking for you when the time comes.
29 May 2008 at 3:29 pm
Beverly Mitzel & Sonja Austin
What to say?
Our relationship with Jeri Ann spans almost 20 years. What a blessing it was to have been “touched” by her powerful spirit. When my partner was first diagnosed with MS many years ago, during a healing service in Charlotte, Jeri Ann said that we would “claim the name, but not the disease…” and to this day, my partner is well.
We asked her to lay hands on our son Jordan every time we attended conference. Although being born HIV+ 10 years ago, he is a healthy and vibrant boy. I believe he has a hedge of protection around him as well.
She performed a simple and wonderful Holy Union for our then pastor, and friend Mick and his parter Gene in front of Niagra Falls.
She has helped us through the pain of loss (many times) and brought tears to our eyes from laughter. She was a joy to be around, even when her health began to decline.
How could anyone who ever met her not feel a special connection to her?
I thank God for bringing Jeri Ann into our lives. She will be missed…but we all know that God has met her with wide open arms.
Until we laugh again…
29 May 2008 at 3:30 pm
lynn jerome
Thankyou Jeri Ann, your inspiration and loving kindness built many a bridge. The touch of your hand let all who came, know the love of god. You are a friend in christ…..and something pretty magnificant.
RIP
lynn
29 May 2008 at 5:06 pm
Rev. Belva Boone
For all of us who knew Jeri Ann, anyone whose life intersected with hers was instantly touched and transformed forever! Her love for Jesus Christ was inspirational, her spiritual wisdom and devotion instructive, her joy and laughter infectious, her commitment to her call to pastor God’s people both in full and frail health indescribable, her belief in the healing power and presence of the Holy Spirit unwavering and her love for and devotion to Gill incredible. Thank you, Gill for the extraordinary gifts you brought to her life . . . we love you and are praying with and for you.
Jeri Ann was a gift to me in ways that words will never fully express, but I pray can be experienced in some way through the work and ministry I do on God’s behalf with and among God’s people. She was to me a pastor, a mentor, a model, a friend and an example of what it means to be “Jesus with skin on.” She was a “one of a kind” servant-leader who embodied for us the meaning of the hymn “Trust and Obey.”
Her ministry, her life and her living were indeed steeped in song . . . when we didn’t know or were just learning how, she taught us to “Dance” . . . when her health began to fail and her body began to slow down, her soul sang “Jesus Take The Wheel” . . . and in the sunset of her days on this side of the cross, the angels gathered around her and together they sang this song of promise: “Some glad morning, when this life is over, I’ll fly away. To a home of God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away. I’ll fly away, oh glory! I’ll fly away. When I die, Hallelujah, by and by! I’ll fly away.” And soar she did on yesterday . . .
Thank you, Jeri Ann, for the unconditional love you showered on us, for Jesus and the Holy Spirit that you shared with us and for the blessing of loving you and the God in you in return. While I will miss you tremendously, rest well . . . until we meet again . . . healthy, happy and whole!
29 May 2008 at 5:20 pm
Rev. Colleen Darraugh
Jeri Ann was the preacher and officiant at my ordination service. Having Jeri Ann lay hands on me, in this way, was simply another expression of her healing, faithful energy. During my journey from laity to clergy, she was one of the people who greatly encouraged me. She stood by me when others were less than positive about me or my ministry. She received personal attacks for our friendship and her support of me. She turned around gossip with laughter, adding to it such that anyone could tell they were nothing but tall tales! For years, we joked with each other with warm affection.
I remember sitting with Jeri Ann and Delores Berry between rounds of a difficult election. While others went to lunch and votes were counted, we prayed and sang songs of faith. Her grace, her faith, and her willingness to follow God’s will were so evident as was her deep, deep love of MCC.
As I remember her today, I too can hear the resonance of her voice and laugh, feel the warmth of her smile, see the glint of her rings, and the presence of holy energy radiating from her.
While we miss her, I know there is a party in heaven because Jeri is there! The volume of laughter has gone up a notch! I know that Jeri Ann is rejoicing and that she has heard “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Gill, may you be surrounded in a blanket of love as you grieve.
Peace,
Colleen
29 May 2008 at 7:29 pm
Amanda Kemper
I fell in love with Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey the first time I met her. I had been invited to Faith Eternal in Springfield, IL by a friend in 1987 I had never been involved in church and had never been to a Spirtual Renewal Wow how my life changed. I kept thinking of the words she whispered to me and knew then MCC was where I wanted to be. I remember the last time I seen Jeri Ann in Calgary as I was walking up that aisle and praying please let me feel her healing touch one last time and as I got to the front her arms opened up I knew. She will always live in my heart
Jeri Ann, I love you and I miss you – but I’ll see when I get there. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
Gill, My prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of a very special love.
29 May 2008 at 8:33 pm
Rev. Paul Whiting
Like many MCC clergy I had heard Jeri Ann at conferences or attended one of her healing services in a local church, but it wasn’t until she and Gill moved to Florida that I really got to know her.
I have known Gill for many years and therefore was honored to spend time in their Bradenton home. It was then that I realized that Jeri Ann really cared. She really cared about people, about MCC, about her friends and that her love for Gill was immense.
Jeri Ann was unique to MCC, never shying from her gift and passion to be a channel of Christ’s love and power. Yet she was also capable of comedic capers worthy of an Oscar. One of my last memories involved a midnight pick-up of an oxygen tank on I-4. Although Jeri Ann had only been released from hospital that day, she and Gill traveled to our rendez-vous to give one of her oxygen tanks to someone in critical need.
Like Jesus, Jeri Ann understood suffering, and was all the more determined to make our lives better because it.
Gill, my heart and my love goes out to you. May you find comfort and strength in the days and weeks ahead.
Paul
30 May 2008 at 3:44 pm
Paula Schoenwether
Many of you may not know that when Nancy and I first moved to LA I needed work so I became Jeri Ann’s secretary. She suggested I file using the dates that were on letters or sermons. I found that humorous but did not want to hurt her feelings so when I suggested a more conventional method using a, b, c etc. she agreed and thought that would probably be easier.
It should be no surprise that even though I did do actual work, Jeri enjoyed talking more than she needed me working! Fortunately, I was a good listener.
Lunches were good too.
30 May 2008 at 7:52 pm
Reverend Shelley A. Hamilton
I love you, Jeri Ann. I appreciate and value your friendship. I’m so very grateful for the times we were able to be in ministry together. I’ll never forget your love and kindness – and your very nonjudgmental acceptance and support of me when so many were not. I know they’re having a party for you in heaven. I look forward to our reunion. Pray for me dear, girl, and send me help from time to time. I will miss knowing that you aren’t walking on this earth.
Rest, my dear sister – you earned it and deserve it. Shelley A. Hamilton
30 May 2008 at 8:40 pm
Jenny Ferguson
Jeri I hope that you have got the Church of the Holy Smoke going where ever you are. Remember We belong to MCC, the church of the holy spirit and the church of the holy smoke for ever and ever becuase that is what makes us human
31 May 2008 at 12:59 am
Bruce Boardman
Jeri Ann how I love you, then, now and always. Gill Storey how I love you, then, now and always. If the purpose of this life is to share our sprit, our lives, our beings with others with the intent of making a difference within them and us for the Glory of God then Jeri Ann’s purpose over flowed as does Gill’s. I find it difficult to speak of Jeri and not think of Gill. Jeri was the catalyst that brought us together in love and peace. In her sermon “Send in the clowns” one of the examples Jeri uses is David. Jeri was a David in my opinion. My belief tells me that David found his courage and strength in believing he was doing “Gods” work. Geri Ann’s life was lived the same way. She received a calling and she said yes to that calling and lived her life according to that calling. For the years that she and Gill spent in Richmond those years were transforming years for me. My struggles with in, my out cries of disagreement met with love and understanding. When Jeri Ann made the decision that open heart surgery was the best choice for her I remember her emails as she kept us all informed. She said it’s like a rock climber who steps down and has faith that the rock will be there and the rock will hold them and not let them fall. She was stepping out in faith and believing that God would be her rock as she stepped out in faith. For Jeri Ann stepping out in faith was not new it was how she lived her life. The blessing was her willingness and courage to share that faith with others that they might also learn and grown. I remember once Geri Ann came to me before service on a Sunday morning and asked me if I would dance with her that morning as part of her sermon. I thought perhaps she had an over dose of oxygen that day but soon realized she was serious. I told I would do it if I was able. Her sermon was about dancing in rhythm with God. Hearing the music and embracing the rhythm and putting it into action which in our case was to dance. She was kind to me and did put me at ease when she said ” I will even let you lead” and that made me feel a lot better. It was a wonderful dance and I can remember it now as I write. I can see her smile as the music played and we danced in front of the altar. What brought Jeri and I very close together was our mutual love for Jesus Christ. I believe that love and belief in each of us transcended any situation or circumstance this world ever presented to us. It was by the Love of God and through the Holy Spirit that we came to simply adore one another. Gill, Jeri Ann and I experienced transformation in our lives through the help of God and the presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. One Sunday morning when I was Communion Celebrant, Jeri Ann came to me as I was serving communion Jeri Ann came to me and said “pray for me” I asked if she had a special need or reason and she said no just pray for me. I will always remember that day as I put my arms around her and prayed for her and we were elevated to that place that only God can take us too. Some of the years in Richmond for Jeri Ann and Gill were filled with struggle and turmoil but out of that struggle and turmoil for many of us came growth and love and discovery of a new way. A new way to love though the presence of God within us shared with each other. If just one changed life, if just one person’s testimony can make our life worthwhile then Jeri Ann’s life was truly worthwhile. I am sure my story, my encounter; my transformation is only one of many. Jeri Ann as you know the words I write here, because I feel your presence with me and I see your smile, be at peace. Be filled with Joy. When I read the tribute that talked about Jeri Ann having to do so many funerals during the AIDS crises my first thought was that now Jeri Ann is embracing those that once she had to bury. And I can just see her now with her arms out taking each one of them unto herself. One day as we sat outside church chatting Jeri Ann told me she was not going to heaven until I got there first so I could greet her when she arrived. I looked at her and told her as much as I loved her I hoped that would not be the case since she was about 15 years older then me. She smiled and said, don’t worry I am going to live a very long time. Jeri Ann you have moved on the journey. You needed to be rested and renewed and now you are. I have not doubt that you are telling everyone just exactly what they should be doing in heaven, I would expect nothing less. But I also know you are doing it with love. The love that comes from God the love that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. I love you Jeri Ann. I thank you Jeri Ann and I miss you Jeri Ann but I thank you for what you have left with me your wonderful spirit filled memories and your now angelic presence in my life. To my beloved Gill, may you know that my heart cries for you in your sadness. Time is the great healer and you have also been left with a wonderful legacy. As you walk your journey from here I look with eager anticipation to see what God has in store for you next. Know that you are loved, know that you are missed, know that you are deeply appreciated. Be Blessed Gill. Be still and know for it will me made know unto you. I love you Gill, I love you Jeri Ann.
31 May 2008 at 3:46 am
John Poarch, MCC Richmond
“Well done, my Good and Faithful Servant”
Matthew 25:21
31 May 2008 at 6:19 pm
Tony Crisp
Rev. Jeri Ann Harvey was one of my many heroes. I respected her and her gifts very much. I loved her sermons and I especially loved her healing touch. She was a “Moses” of our Denomination and she will be missed.
Tony Crisp, member
New Life MCC, Hampton Roads (Norfolk), Virginia
31 May 2008 at 9:28 pm
Victor Floyd
I wish I had met you, Rev. Elder Jeri Ann. I am a fan. I wrote a paper on you for my MCC History & Polity class at Pacific School of Religion.
Jesus needed another clown in heaven. He’s got the best now, with Jeri Ann!
http://web.mac.com/victorfloyd/iWeb/MCC%20History%20Project/Rev.%20Elder%20Jeri%20Ann%20Harvey.html
Peace,
Victor Floyd
MDiv Candidate, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA
Pastoral Intern, Peninsula MCC, San Mateo, CA
1 June 2008 at 1:15 am
Rev. Robert Griffin
As a student clergy coming into MCC, 20 years ago, I remember some of the required reading for the Polity Course included readings about Reverend Elder Jeri Ann Harvey. Just reading about Jeri Ann and her accomplishments made her a living saint and an icon. A few years after my Polity Course, I had the opportunity to meet Jeri Ann and she scared the hell out of me! She walked into a conference site restaurant, all the tables were full except mine, we locked eyes, she walked over, and said, “are you Robert Griffin”, I said yes and she said, “well, I have heard enough about you, are you going to ask me to sit down and eat with you or am I going to have to tell you to get up, I’ve got my new blazer on and have no problem telling you to get up so I can sit down!” Blazer or not, I would have done whatever she said, but with that exchange our friendship began.
When my partner Durrell Watkins and I would vacation in Florida (when we lived in the cold north) we would stay with Gill and Jeri Ann. I enjoyed sitting with Jeri Ann and listening to her tell me some of the old MCC stories. It was like reliving the early days of MCC, from her eyes, hearing about the struggles and challenges and opportunities to make MCC a better place for everyone while making a difference in the world.
Jeri Ann loved life, her friends and her extended family of which I was proud to be included. I will miss her deeply. What I will miss most of all is her sending everyone running when she would light up a cigarette with the oxygen following freely; she sent me running more than once!
Jeri Ann, may you rest in peace. I know you have already heard the welcome words, “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I give thanks knowing the angels have welcomed you home where you now can rest from all your labors.
Robert
Reverend Robert Griffin, M.Div.
Special Assistant to the Presiding Elder/Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches http://www.MCCChurch.net
Program Director, MCC Clergy Development Team http://www.MCCChurch.net
Director of Adult Spiritual Education and Christian Social Action http://www.LightU.org
1 June 2008 at 1:25 am
Rev. Durrell Watkins
Jeri Ann and I didn’t like each other, until we actually met. I always hated when she would tell that story, but she loved telling it, and it was true. We both were strong willed people and strong willed people sometimes get reputations. We knew each other only by reputation and we decided we didn’t like what we knew. Until…
One day, my partner Robert Griffin (who has a perverse sense of humor) teamed Jeri Ann and I together to lead a conference workshop! We had to actually meet in order to prepare for our workshop, and our first meeting involved very little planning. Mostly, we just told stories, discovered we shared a “blue” sense of humor, and we laughed a lot. From that moment on, we were very good friends. In fact, I was flattered when she would tell people I was part of her chosen family. She was always very generous with me, supportive, encouraging. Even when we teased each other (which we did quite a bit), we always did so in love and with laughter.
One of my favorite Jeri Ann moments involved a potential explosion! Once, while on oxygen, Jeri Ann was reading a newspaper and smoking. Her cigarette singed the paper and Robert and I both smelled it. We came running to see what was causing the smell only to discover Jeri Ann sitting in her recliner with paper, lit cigarette, and oxygen tank. I must have let out a particularly shrill shriek of terror (Jeri claimed to be butch, I never did), because Gill came in and put Jeri Ann’s smoldering paper away saying, “Sweetheart, you’re scaring the boys.” Jeri Ann and I both laughed until tears rolled down our faces, and I laugh every time I remember that moment still.
To some people Jeri Ann was an icon, or a healer, or a dynamic preacher, or an historical figure…and, of course, she was all of those things. But to me, she was a friend. She was someone with whom I could be just myself, and I will miss her very much. Mine is one of the many hearts in which The Reverend Elder Jeri Ann Harvey will continue to live.
In loving memory,
Durrell Watkins
Senior Pastor
Sunshine Cathedral MCC
1 June 2008 at 12:36 pm
Bruce Boardman
Jeri Ann how I love you, then, now and always. Gill Storey how I love you, then, now and always. If the purpose of this life is to share our sprit, our lives, our beings with others with the intent of making a difference within them and us for the Glory of God then Jeri Ann’s purpose over flowed as does Gill’s. I find it difficult to speak of Jeri and not think of Gill. Jeri was the catalyst that brought us together in love and peace. In her sermon “Send in the clowns” one of the examples Jeri uses is David. Jeri was a David in my opinion. My belief tells me that David found his courage and strength in believing he was doing “Gods” work. Jeri Ann’s life was lived the same way. She received a calling and she said yes to that calling and lived her life according to that calling. For the years that she and Gill spent in Richmond those years were transforming years for me. My struggles with in, my out cries of disagreement met with love and understanding. When Jeri Ann made the decision that open heart surgery was the best choice for her I remember her emails as she kept us all informed. She said it’s like a rock climber who steps down and has faith that the rock will be there and the rock will hold them and not let them fall. She was stepping out in faith and believing that God would be her rock as she stepped out in faith. For Jeri Ann stepping out in faith was not new it was how she lived her life. The blessing was her willingness and courage to share that faith with others that they might also learn and grown. I remember once Jeri Ann came to me before service on a Sunday morning and asked me if I would dance with her that morning as part of her sermon. I thought perhaps she had an over dose of oxygen that day but soon realized she was serious. I told I would do it if I was able. Her sermon was about dancing in rhythm with God. Hearing the music and embracing the rhythm and putting it into action which in our case was to dance. She was kind to me and did put me at ease when she said ” I will even let you lead” and that made me feel a lot better. It was a wonderful dance and I can remember it now as I write. I can see her smile as the music played and we danced in front of the altar. What brought Jeri and I very close together was our mutual love for Jesus Christ. I believe that love and belief in each of us transcended any situation or circumstance this world ever presented to us. It was by the Love of God and through the Holy Spirit that we came to simply adore one another. Gill, Jeri Ann and I experienced transformation in our lives through the help of God and the presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. One Sunday morning when I was Communion Celebrant, Jeri Ann came to me as I was serving communion Jeri Ann came to me and said “pray for me” I asked if she had a special need or reason and she said no just pray for me. I will always remember that day as I put my arms around her and prayed for her and we were elevated to that place that only God can take us too. Some of the years in Richmond for Jeri Ann and Gill were filled with struggle and turmoil but out of that struggle and turmoil for many of us came growth and love and discovery of a new way. A new way to love though the presence of God within us shared with each other. If just one changed life, if just one person’s testimony can make our life worthwhile then Jeri Ann’s life was truly worthwhile. I am sure my story, my encounter; my transformation is only one of many. Jeri Ann as you know the words I write here, because I feel your presence with me and I see your smile, be at peace. Be filled with Joy. When I read the tribute that talked about Jeri Ann having to do so many funerals during the AIDS crises my first thought was that now Jeri Ann is embracing those that once she had to bury. And I can just see her now with her arms out taking each one of them unto herself. One day as we sat outside church chatting Jeri Ann told me she was not going to heaven until I got there first so I could greet her when she arrived. I looked at her and told her as much as I loved her I hoped that would not be the case since she was about 15 years older then me. She smiled and said, don’t worry I am going to live a very long time. Jeri Ann you have moved on the journey. You needed to be rested and renewed and now you are. I have not doubt that you are telling everyone just exactly what they should be doing in heaven, I would expect nothing less. But I also know you are doing it with love. The love that comes from God the love that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. I love you Jeri Ann. I thank you Jeri Ann and I miss you Jeri Ann but I thank you for what you have left with me your wonderful spirit filled memories and your now angelic presence in my life. To my beloved Gill, may you know that my heart cries for you in your sadness. Time is the great healer and you have also been left with a wonderful legacy. As you walk your journey from here I look with eager anticipation to see what God has in store for you next. Know that you are loved, know that you are missed, and know that you are deeply appreciated. Be Blessed Gill. Be still and know for it will me made know unto you. I love you Gill, I love you Jeri Ann.
1 June 2008 at 9:38 pm
Heather Maybee
I first met Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey at General Conference in Phoenix in 1991. I attended the healing service where she was preaching, and we were there for over 3 hours. The room was alive with the Holy Spirit. Being raised in the liberal but quiet United Church of Canada, I had never experienced anyone quite like Jeri Ann. From that night on, it became a tradition for me to attend any service where she was preaching whenever I had the chance to do so. I was thrilled when the other members of my church (Christos MCC) had the opportunity to hear her when she came to visit us as the liaison elder. I was saddened to hear of her passing, but I know that she is rejoicing with Jesus.