Updated: 23 April 2008

Those of you attending the Black Rose Acoustic Society’s (BRAS) open stages for a while remember Jeri Vervalin.  For the rest of you, let me tell you a little about her.

Jeri was one of our loveliest Kitchen Roses.  She greeted you with a big smile and sparkling blue eyes when you came up to the counter for a brownie or cookie.  She and husband Charlie were faithful Black Rose members for many years.  They noticed a small announcement about the open stage in the Gazette and decided to check it out.  BRAS was about one and a half years old at that time and only thirty-five or forty people attended.   Right away they began volunteering their time.  Charlie edited this newsletter for five years and served on the board.  In recognition of their outstanding service the Vervalins were awarded a lifetime membership in BRAS during his last year as editor.

Week in and week out Jeri so enjoyed helping and doing her part to support BRAS.   She loved the people, the atmosphere and the music.  Jeri recently passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.  After she gave up her kitchen duties at BRAS she and Charlie continued to drive down from Woodland Park to attend almost every open stage until she could no longer come.  I remember the great positive feedback she gave performers.  From the stage every time I looked her way I saw her beaming smile.  What a great audience member she was. 

Jeri was multi-talented.  She played her piano daily for an hour or more.  She decorated her home with oil paintings she did of landscapes that inspired her.  Jeri enjoyed sewing, knitting, photography, woodworking, cooking and baking.  Most BRAS Christmas parties brought out everyone’s favorite -- Jeri’s Hummingbird Cookies.  She invented them.  A lot of folks asked her for the recipe.

Jeri designed her beautiful Woodland Park home and monitored its construction.  With Charlie she also designed two vacation cottages, one in Texas and one in the Rocky Mountains near Woodland Park. 

Jeri had a loving, close-knit family. Her three children and seven grandchildren and her beloved Charlie were her pride and joy.  You couldn’t meet up with Jeri without her letting you know you were important to her.  I was honored to know her and count her as a friend.  The Black Rose Acoustic Society had a good friend in Jeri Vervalin.  Thanks, Jeri.  We miss you.                   

Phyllis Stark