Barbara "Jerri" LeMay's Obituary
LeMay, Barbara J., age 82, of Mason, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her residence.
Barbara “Jerri” LeMay devoted her life to teaching, encouraging others, and living out her Christian faith. Her love of education began as a little girl when she would line up her dolls on the front steps to play school, a passion that grew into a lifelong calling spanning over four decades.
Known to her friends and family as “Jerri,” she grew up in Ohio and enjoyed playing on her family’s farm with her older brother Glen. When she entered high school, her family moved to California, where she graduated. She returned to Ohio to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio University. She later earned her Special Learning Disabilities (SLD) endorsement through Xavier University, a credential that prepared her to become a pioneer in special education at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. Although she enjoyed her years in California, Ohio always remained home in her heart, and it was here that she built both her career and her family.
Jerri began teaching in 1966, educating and inspiring students in Kettering, Lebanon, Forest Park, and at Cincinnati Hills. Most of her time was devoted to elementary education where she shaped the lives of countless young students with patience, encouragement, joy, and compassion. At Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, she helped establish the school's special education program and served as its lead teacher for students with special needs.
Even after retiring from Cincinnati Hills, Jerri happily returned to the classrooms she loved as a substitute teacher. Her passion for education extended beyond the traditional school day as she taught adults during the evenings at Scarlet Oaks Career Development Campus, helping them earn their GEDs and continue their educational journeys. Jerri found joy in teaching learners of every age.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Jerri was a devoted member and deacon of Montgomery Community Church where she faithfully served her church family and lived out her faith daily.
Jerri had a warm, energetic, and magnetic personality that naturally drew people to her. Friendly, encouraging, and endlessly supportive, she never met a stranger and loved building lasting friendships through church, Bible study, and her monthly bridge group. She enjoyed reading romance novels, the Bible, and devotional materials. She was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Swimming was her lifelong passion—she was a synchronized swimmer at Ohio University—and she loved taking trips to Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Marco Island, where she felt most at home on the beach. Her family will forever cherish those memories.
Family was at the center of Jerri's life. She and Fred shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, creating treasured memories together through their travels and the many adventures they enjoyed side by side. Christmas was one of Jerri's greatest joys. She loved decorating her home for the season, and in recent years her Christmas tree became a year-round tradition. Rather than taking it down after the holidays, she redecorated it throughout the year with seasonal themes celebrating other holidays such as Easter, the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
One of her family's most memorable Christmas traditions took place each year when Jerri insisted everyone sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Each of the twelve verses was assigned to a different family member who would sing that verse as a solo before the rest of the family joined in. Although her family jokingly dreaded the annual performance, it will now be one of those family memories that will forever be looked back on with a smile. She was also known for her homemade chocolate chip cookies, especially the cherished memories of baking them with her granddaughter.
Jerri was most proud of her faith, her family, and the countless children and adults whose lives she influenced as a teacher, mentor, and friend.
Jerri was preceded in death by her parents, Robert "Bob" and Ruth McCool, and her brother, Glen McCool. She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Fred; her sons, Eric (Kristin) LeMay and Dave (Lora) LeMay; her grandchildren, Roland, David Jr., and Emily; and many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and neighbors who will always treasure her memory.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A Life Celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with Celebrant Brian Bennett officiating. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Nutrition Meals on Wheels Program through Warren County Community Services, in honor of Jerri's years of volunteer service alongside her son Dave. Together, they demonstrated the importance of kindness, compassion, and serving others while creating lasting memories with one another. Online memorial gifts may be made at https://www.wccsi.org/donate/ and donors may designate the Senior Nutrition Meals on Wheels Program. Condolences may be shared at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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