Aug. 28, 1944 - Oct. 6, 2008

Jerry Nicholson, 64, of Jefferson died Oct. 6, at the Mennonite Home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Lebanon to R. Delbert "Mike" and Louise (Looney) Cox. She was the daughter of two early Oregon pioneer families of Marion and Linn counties. The Looney family homesteaded in the Jefferson area in 1843 and the Cox family settled east of Albany in 1850. Jerry graduated from Albany High School in 1962.

Jerry married Jim Nicholson on Aug. 13, 1970, and they lived in Wallowa where they were employed as herdsmen for Wolfe Herefords and Double M Hereford Ranches. While living in eastern Oregon, she was an active member of the Cow Belles, Walla Walla and Umatilla County fair boards, and served as the American Hereford Auxiliary president in 1989.

Jerry moved to Jefferson in 1991. Her home reflected her love of antiques, creative decorating and gardening talents. She was an accomplished seamstress, avid family historian, and admirer of Native American culture.

She was an active member of the Morningstar Grange, Jefferson Women's Club, Red Hat Society, and Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Jerry is survived by her mother, Louise (Looney) Cox of Albany; brother Smith Cox and wife Teresa Barber of Jefferson; sister Kay Cowanthompson and husband Bob of John Day; nephews Brad Cox and wife Buckley of Eagle Point, Wade Cox and wife Danelle, of Albany, and Thaddeus Cowanthompson of John Day; niece Tirza Shaffer and husband Mike of Virginia Beach, Va.; two great-nephews; and three great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mike Cox; and infant brother Troy Cox.

A graveside memorial service for family and close friends will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Jefferson Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Santiam Central Cemetery and sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).