Geraldine “Jerry” Bownds Quinn Collinsworth went home to the Lord on November 7, 2010 at the age of 84 after a long, hard battle with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Rhea Royall Quinn (1979), and her second husband Ernest Collinsworth (1992).  Jerry was born September 12, 1926.  She was raised in Odem and lived there most of her life. Jerry attended Odem schools; however, due to the illness of her mother, did not graduate from Odem. She graduated from Charles Bender High School in Humble in 1944.

She and Rhea raised their family in Odem and were very involved in all their athletic and school activities. They stayed in Odem until they moved back to Rhea’s hometown of Old San Patricio in 1977. After she married Ernest in 1983, she moved to Alice where they lived until his death in 1992. She returned to Odem and lived there until she made the decision to move to Mount Carmel Assisted Living in Corpus Christi in 1999.  Jerry was later cared for at Mission Ridge Nursing Home in Refugio for several years and TRISUN River Ridge in Calallen.  Jerry was a secretary and office manager for most of her working life. She loved animals and raised Toy Manchesters and Border Collies that she showed in both obedience and conformation.  Jerry never met a stranger. Once she met you, she never forgot you.  She was a proud Catholic convert and was very involved in her church, whether in Odem, Old San Patricio or Alice. She belonged to the Altar Society in her younger years and she was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.  She was also a Eucharist Minister.  She and Rhea had three children: Jo Fern (Winston) Thomas of Odem, Sam (Donna) Quinn of Sandia and Marshall Quinn of Old San Patricio. “Granny G” leaves a legacy of 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and is also survived by a sister-in-law, Eloise Quinn of Corpus Christi.  Because Jerry didn’t like “stuff” and enjoyed living simply, the family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem or the National Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org)
Visitation will begin Thursday, November 11, 2010, 11:00 AM, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton.  Rosary will be held the same evening, 7:00 PM with family receiving guests 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Visitation will resume Friday, November 12, 2010, 9:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Odem followed by the celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.  Burial to follow at Old San Patricio Cemetery.