Jeremiah David Ferree

Jeremiah David Ferree transitioned to his new life on Saturday, May 15, 2021.  He was born on October 17, 1938 to Mary and George Ferree.  His own father passed away when he was three years old and Jerry grew up with his sister and three brothers in Anderson, Indiana.  His mother remarried and Jerry gained another father, and a sister, Mary.  

After high school graduation, Jerry attended Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois and prepared to be a teacher.  At ONC, Jerry met Jackie Munroe, whom he married on August 2, 1958. The next three years were busy as daughter Sheri was born in 1961, Dad received his BA in English Education in 1962, and daughter Jill was born in 1963.

During that time, Jerry and Jackie relocated to Pontiac, Michigan where Jerry began teaching at Lincoln Junior High School.  He would remain there until he began teaching and coaching football at Pontiac Central High School in the 70’s. While in Michigan, Jerry received his MA from Michigan State University, and, in 1977, daughter Bethany was born. 

Jerry and Jackie relocated to Lake Orion, Michigan and remained until 2001 when they moved to Fayetteville, NC to be closer to their daughters.  They had always been active in the Nazarene Church and immediately became part of the Church of the Nazarene here in Fayetteville. In the church, Jerry was always involved in music, teaching, and sports.  He was a faithful supporter of Methodist University Baseball and loved attending games on campus.  He loved to travel with Jackie, and enjoyed the new adventures of the East Coast. 

As Jackie’s health began to deteriorate, Dad remained faithfully by her side. A few years before his death, Jerry moved with Jackie into Heritage Place in downtown Fayetteville.  When it became necessary, they moved to Highland House and were there together during the covid pandemic. Dad faithfully looked after Mom for that long year and we are thankful that God allowed them to be together.

We believe that Jerry held on until covid restrictions were lifted, and then gave himself permission to rest.  His heart stopped beating on Saturday, May 15 at 5 AM. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his step-father, Alex Batthauer, three brothers, Tom, Ed, and Sam, and sister Jeanette. 

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years and three daughters and their families, which include two sons-in-law, Wesley and Tom, three granddaughters, Christina, Shawna, and Charisma, two grandsons, Christian and Jacob, and three great-grandchildren, Jenna, Alex, and Jaxson.  His sister Mary and her husband Jim, along with many extended family members and friends also grieve his loss and celebrate his Homegoing.  

Jerry, Jay, or Jeremiah - whatever you called him - was a strong, intelligent man who loved deeply and learned much the last few years of his life. We thank all those who made his life richer.  Special thanks to so many friends who have supported Mom and Dad throughout the years. Enormous thanks also to the team and friends at Highland House who saw Jeremiah every day this past year when we could not. They have shared countless stories of his humor, smiles, kindness, and the endless patience he had with Mom.  We know that Dad has already met Jesus, has reunited with family and friends, and is getting ready for Mom to join him.

Funeral services for Jeremiah will be held at the Fayetteville Church of the Nazarene at 12:30 PM  on Wednesday, June 2.  The family will receive guests at noon. Jeremiah is being cremated and his ashes laid to rest at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.

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