It’s with great sadness that KMTA has learned of the recent passing of member Geraldine “Jeri” Layne.
She was born May 18, 1938 in Barboursville, KY. Jeri is survived by her husband, Gary Miller Layne, one son, Todd Layne and his wife Rebecca of Wilmore, KY; three granddaughters, Mackenzie, Devon, and Savannah, one great granddaughter, Marley Ann, and one sister, Judy McKnight.
Jeri studied and received her degree in music and education with an emphasis on piano from Eastern KY University in 1960. Jeri was always willing to accept any challenge and every opportunity to share her love of music. When Jeri and Gary first came to the Ashland area, she was asked to start the marching band program at Boyd County High School, growing the unit to over 100 members. After her teaching career at Boyd County High School, she started the Jeri Layne School of Baton, teaching the art of baton twirling, dance, and gymnastics to hundreds of local youths. Next Jeri was asked to initiate the choir program at Russell First Christian Church, now Bridges Christian Church, again growing a program that gave opportunities of service to all ages of the congregation, including the Bells of Praise, bell choir which was her pride and joy, directing them for 25 years. Much of Jeri’s work at Bridges was as a volunteer, sharing her love for music with her church family.
More information about Jeri’s life and career, as well as a tribute by former student James Spark, can be found on our In Memoriam page.
