Jean Williamson Kerr
February 11, 1940 - May 13, 2025
Jean Williamson Kerr (85) passed peacefully in her sleep on May 13, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on February 11, 1940, in Santa Monica, California, she lived her life in Southern California, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Alabama before finally settling back in Utah for her final years.
Jean was a lifelong educator and artist who touched the lives of many. She graduated from Brigham Young University and dedicated her life to teaching and raising her family. She began as a physical education teacher before transitioning to teaching High School English and Literature. She ended her career as an Adjunct Professor at Auburn University at Montgomery. Her passion for learning and her ability to inspire students left a lasting impact on countless individuals. A founding member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Tallassee, Alabama, Jean’s service in various roles was complemented by her personal spiritual journey, seeking a broader theological understanding through the study of many religious traditions.
Throughout her life, Jean spent her free time learning, developing, and exploring many crafts, including quilting, knitting, woodworking, and pottery, which she used to enhance and beautify her own life as well as those around her. After retiring from teaching full-time, Jean discovered a love for the intricate art of weaving pine needle baskets. She honed her craft to a level of high regard within that community and generously shared her knowledge, teaching at the renowned John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. This passion led her to found “The Basket Cases,” a close-knit group of women who gathered to learn and create together. Following her move back to Utah, Jean continued to cultivate her artistry and build meaningful connections through “Basket Cases, West.”
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Kerr, and her sister, Kathy DeArmond. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Richard (Kathleen Bratcher) Kerr, Stephen (Patty) Kerr, Margaret (David Snell) Kerr, Jennifer (Duncan McElroy) Kerr, and Daniel (Kelli) Kerr; her grandchildren and their spouses: Andrea (Justin) Hemmert, Heather Kerr, Haley (Joe) Hill, Mac McElroy, Xander Kerr, and Elizabeth Kerr; her great-grandchildren: Hudson and Hadley Hill; Ellie, Rylea, Brodee, Khloe, Braxton, and Harlynn Hemmert; her sister, Maureen Hutchinson; and many other cherished family members and friends.
Two memorial services will be held to celebrate Jean’s life. The first will be on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 10:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 1710 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108. Services and a lunch will be held at the church, followed by the scattering of ashes at 2:00 pm at the Log Haven meadow, 6451 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, across from Log Haven Restaurant.
The second will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Tallassee, AL. 2602 Gilmer Ave, Tallassee, AL 36078 Interment of ashes beside her husband, will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to The Inn Between at https://tibhospice.org/ and/or Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering at https://www.ruffhaven.org/.
In Loving Memory
Jean was a dear friend. We taught English together at Wetumpka High School. She and Paul attended many Super Bowl psrties at my and Rodney's home. I especially remember Danny and her love for her children. I plan to attend the celebration of her life in October. Her baskets and pottery are displayed in my home. She was a very talented and special lady.
We were so grateful to have Jean as a volunteer at The INN Between. From all of us at The INN Between, we send our condolences to the family.
In Loving Memory
