Geraldine “Jeri” Stringer Chesser
Geraldine “Jeri” Stringer Chesser, 89 of Beaumont, died November 11, 2025. Born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, she was a lifelong resident of Southeast Texas. Jeri led a life of service to God, family, friends, and her community. The eldest of four children born to Flavil Hall and Ella Victoria Stringer, she was born October 14, 1936.
Jeri is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Richard Donald (Don) Chesser; and daughters, Melissa Gallien and her husband, Gary, of Beaumont and Amanda Drum and her husband, Mike, of Corpus Christi; and brother, Donald Hall Stringer of Denton, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert Lee Stringer and Michael Clark Stringer.
Jeri retired as Executive Director of Orange Camp Fire Council after many years of service to the organization as a leader for her daughters’ clubs, Camp Otanya Camp Director, and volunteer where she was named “Mother of Many”. She served two terms as Region Chairman of Camp Fire Association of Professionals, and after retirement continued as a member of the National Volunteer Staff. She received the Luther Halsey Gulch Award, the highest national symbol of recognition for outstanding service to Camp Fire.
Jeri was also very active in volunteer work in Orange County serving as President of Altrusa International of Orange County, President of the Orange County Community Service Council, and Coordinator of the American Cancer Society annual fundraising campaign.
Jeri loved history, reading, swimming, and traveling. She and Don enjoyed extensive travels to 65 countries and toured all seven continents. She was a sentimental person who held family heirlooms, friendship, and simple traditions dear to her heart.
Jeri was a member of Dowlen Road Church of Christ and always placed service to God first. She was a tremendous Christian role model, a loving mother, and a “Fearless Leader” for many through the years.
A gathering of Mrs. Chesser’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Trail Southeast, Bogue Chitto, Mississippi 39629.
The family sincerely thanks the offices of Dr. Ronald Palang, Dr. Allen McGrew, Harbor Hospice and her precious Visiting Angels for the kindness, compassion, and excellent care administered to Jeri during her final days.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 15, 2025
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 15, 2025
- 11:00 am
Don, Melissa and Amanda,
Deepest Condolences and prayers for the loss of Jeri. She was a very special lady. I will always remember the days at Camp swimming laps with her. May her memory be a blessing.
Jeri was a gift to many with her sweet smile and ear to listen. May the Good Lord comfort and strengthen Don, Melissa, Amanda and all her Family through this difficult time. 🙏 🙏🙏❤️
Jeri was a special friend.I will miss her in many ways.She always enjoyed the shopping trips to Hobby Lobby and lunch with Lee and I. Each time I took her home she always said thank you for asking me and I Love You. Our phone calls, cards and text messages I will cherish.
May God comfort Don,Melissa and Amanda.
Our prayers and love .
“May the love and support of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.”
I am very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting her and the family.
Geraldine and I were friends on our school bus every day. My adoration of her was that of a kid who admired not only her beauty but her kind demor. I see she mde a lasting memory on her community. God be with all of you during this period of loss. May your memories
Give you peace.
So sorry! Big hugs and prayers!
Don, Brooks and I cherished our friendship with you and Jeri down through the yrs. Sad to hear of your loss and truly understand your grief as it’s been 3 yrs. since losing Brooks. Please call if you ever need anything, We love you.
Cousin Jeri will always be close to my heart and she and India are together again❤️
Mr. Chesser, Melissa, and Amanda,
I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Chesser’s passing. I admired her beautiful soul and ability to keep an organized, pristine home. She will be deeply missed.
Love to all of you,
Jennifer Whitaker
Geraldine was my BEST friend when I attended Vidor schools in the 50s. We had identical dresses that we loved to wear.
I moved back to Arkansas at the end of our ninth grade but we stayed in touch to some degree. When anyone mentions “best friend”, I think of Geraldine. I’m saddened at her passing but know her love for our Savior and know she nows rests in HIM.