Gerri Lynn Schultz

In the early hours of the morning on February 20,2021, Gerri Lynn Johnson Schultz, was still sleeping, because we all know Gerri was not a morning person. But shortly before noon, Gerri decided to get out of the hospital and move to a brand-new home. You can guarantee she had a great playlist with her and was wearing some really cute shoes. Shortly after her new journey began, she was reunited with her love John W Schultz, who preceded her, along with her mother Lou Fields Johnson, father Claude H Johnson Sr, brother William “Billy” Johnson, nieces Rachael and Rebecca Fernandes, her beloved puppies Cody and JJ and all those friends and family who had gone before, and were waiting with Jesus to welcome her as she danced thru Heaven’s gates Gerri was born December 5, 1951, on a truly balmy 59-degree day in the tiny southeastern Kentucky town of Benham. When she was 3 years old, she moved with her parents, Hunk and Lou, to the “city” of Louisville and truly embraced the life of a city girl, even as a toddler. She aspired to be an only child, but her parents had other plans. Once she adjusted, she relished her role as the “scary” older sister, not only as her siblings tormentor, but their most fierce defender. She continued the role of defender for all of those that she loved. Gerri was also the most loyal person you could meet. If she loved you, she trusted you…and would be there thru thick and thin and Lord help any person who hurt her friends or family. During college, Gerri adapted to a hippie style that lasted the rest of her entire life. She loved telling people that she was just an “old hippie”. She loved the music, the friends and the life that she remembered from those days. It was during these music loving adventures that she met the man she had the most fun with, who shared her love of music and friendships, her love, John Schultz. They married during the Strawberry Festival in 1975, and the following year she began the most rewarding, exciting and proudest time of Gerri’s life…the birth of her beloved Stefanie. Gerri, while being a little overwhelmed at having a little one that totally depended on her, relished in the role of Stefanie’s mom. When Stefanie began to take dance lessons, Gerri became the best and most dedicated “dance mom”, not only to Stefanie, but to the whole studio. She opened her home to all of Stefanie’s dance troupe and loved everyone of those little girls. These little girls grew up and when Stefanie and her dance friends became cheerleaders, Gerri was the ultimate “booster” parent. She supported everything they did, becoming a right hand to the cheer coach, traveling and chaperoning any event they were involved in. Her home was always open to these girls, they knew it was a safe haven, always fun, they were always accepted, and Gerri was their confidant, with no judgement. Gerri became not only Mama Gerri to them, but as they became parents, she became “Nana Gerri” to their children. Of all the things that Gerri enjoyed, nothing could compare to being at the beach in her eyes. She loved going to Panama City with Stefanie, John and always some friends or family. Truly in her element, she was a sun lover. If she wasn’t at the beach, in the summer, every sunny day, you could find her on her float in the middle of the pool. Everyone knew she didn’t swim, so there would serious repercussions if that calm was interrupted by splashing, kids jumping in close to her…or heaven forbid that someone get the bright idea to knock her off of her air mattress. Only the bravest would attempt that feat. Gerri was a lover of all things Disney, comparing herself to Stitch as her alter ego, always in the middle of some mischief. Gerri was lover of old movies and musicals, something cultivated from watching with her mom and sister as a young girl. She loved listening to live music, going to concerts, making her own playlists. From Elton John and Pavarotti to the Gaither Vocal Band, her tastes were as diverse as she was. She loved UK basketball and those who knew her well, knew not to call during a game. She had perfected baking chocolate pies, something her Aunt Phena would have been proud of. Gerri was a little bit of a diva, a title she wore with honor, but she was also compassionate and tender hearted, giving away her last dollar or food from her own table, if she thought you needed it. She loved vintage jewelry, anything sparkly, cute shoes, glittery flipflops, her little doggies Ollie and Bobo. She made the most beautiful sparkly wreaths, the best potato salad, delicious chicken salad and Thanksgiving was not complete without her cole slaw. And yes, she LOVED the color yellow. Gerri has left her impression on every person who knows her and she will always be with us in stories and memories. Left here to miss her and cherish all of the great memories are her greatest joy, her daughter Stefanie Nicole, sister Debbie Fernandes (Mark), brother Claude “Buddy” Johnson Jr, nieces Sara Fernandes, Amanda Fernandes, nephews Andrew Fernandes (Kaelin), Nathan Johnson (Heather), Jacob Johnson (Anna), as well as her little loves, great nieces, Ivy Lou Johnson, Aurora and Mila Fernandes, great nephews Fenix and Kal Johnson. Gerri will also be remembered fondly and missed always by a multitude of friends and family. Visitation will be at the Owen Funeral Home 9318 Taylorsville Rd, Louisville Ky, on Monday March 1, 2021. Visitation will be from 4:00pm until the service begins at 7:00pm.

Gerri Lynn Schultz

December 5, 1951 - February 20, 2021