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.
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