Jerry Plum

In Loving Memory of Jerry Ruth Plum

Jerry Ruth Plum, a cherished mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away from heart complications on June 1, 2023. She was 76 years young and lived a beautiful and fulfilling life centered around her family and faith in God.

Born Geraldine Ruth Crittenden on May 15, 1947, she was raised by her great-grandparents, Bessie May Hobbs and Harbaugh Hobbs, in Cuyama, California. It was there that Jerry developed her love for horses and had a serendipitous encounter with a wolf on the train tracks, igniting a lifelong passion for these majestic creatures. While most people had dogs as pets, my sisters and I grew up with and shared our mom’s  deep affection for wolves. She even authored a book, My Nanny Was a Wolf, which continues to touch lives to this day.

In 1962, Jerry met the love of her life, Thurman Ray Gilliam, in Venice Beach, California. They fell deeply in love and were married after her high school graduation in 1964. Together, they were blessed with three daughters, Beverly May Gilliam, Brenda Darline Gilliam, and Becky Irene Gilliam. Jerry raised her  daughters with kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.

While fulfilling her roles as wife and mother, Jerry embarked on a fulfilling career as an emergency room nurse and later as an Orange County Sheriff. She was a tough and resilient woman who worked tirelessly to support and keep her family together. Sadly, after 21 years of marriage, Ray passed away on June 1, 1985

During her time at Charter Suburban Hospital in Paramount, California, Jerry crossed paths with Dean Edward Plum, who worked in X-Ray.  ( Unbeknown to Jerry, God would give her a second chance at true love.) Their courtship blossomed, and they exchanged vows on August 20, 1988. Living in Long Beach, California, they shared a joyful and fulfilling marriage. Jerry continued to embrace her love for horses, wolves, and writing, finding happiness and love once again in her union with Dean.

Family, music, trips, and fun times were the foundations of Jerry's life alongside Dean and her family. Above all, she cherished her family and nurtured their spiritual connection to God. 

Jerry's devotion to God, Jesus, and her special angels guided her role as a loving mother and wife. Dean lovingly referred to her as the "lightest of all the angels," and his “very own angel.” Their union lasted for 35 years, and Jerry's presence was truly angelic for all those she touched. As she finds her eternal home, we celebrate her remarkable life on earth and remain grateful for her place in Heaven.

Jerry Ruth Plum will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and the lasting impact she made on the lives of her family and friends. 

Rest in peace, dear Jerry. With all our love, we bid you farewell, knowing that we will be reunited with you one day in the promise of eternal joy!