Families are not only connected by names and branches. They are built by the people who make everyone feel chosen.

Jerilyn never separated “hers,” “his,” “step,” or “in-law.” If you entered the family, you belonged to her. She became Grammy to all of us and GiGi to the next generation.

Her life has held extraordinary love and profound loss. Through it all, she has continued to notice what is precious, cherish what remains, and pick up “a little something” for practically everyone she loves.

She didn’t just collect memories. She collected us.