Jerry Sue Brewer Floyd

JERRY SUE BREWER FLOYD died March 16, 2016 in Little Rock. She was born March 11, 1931 in Cabot to Paul L. and Ruth Rook Brewer. Jerry attended the Cabot public schools, graduating in 1948. She was a dancer and teacher with the Dorothy Donaldson Dancers, and was Miss Lonoke County in 1947. After graduating from high school, Jerry attended Little Rock Junior College, now UALR. She was voted Queen of the May, and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and later earned a master's degree in Psychiatric Social Work from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. While working as a psychiatric social worker at Fort Roots Veteran's Hospital, Jerry reconnected with and married Dr. Bill G. Floyd, in 1957. They originally met as students at LRJC. Jerry and Bill moved to St. Louis, where Bill did his residency training in Obstetrics/Gynecology. Initially, Jerry worked as a psychiatric social worker at the Veteran's Hospital in St. Louis. After additional training at Washington University, she became a supervisor of students of social work. In 1962, Jerry and Bill moved back to Little Rock. In addition to raising three children, she was involved in many civic activities. Jerry was a member of the Arkansas Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary and the National Association of Social Workers. She served as a board member of Arkansas Mental Health Services and Elizabeth Mitchell Children's Center, now Centers for Youth and Families. Jerry was Vice-President of the United Way of Pulaski County and Chairman of Board of the Health and Welfare Council of Pulaski County. In addition, Jerry served as Chaplain of the Little Rock-Centennial Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, she was a Stephen Minister and a member of the Centennial Committee. A lifelong lover of books, Jerry worked in her son's bookstore for many years. She was an avid genealogist and student of American history. Upon her husband's retirement, Jerry and Bill spent time in genealogy research, traveling to several states locating ancestors. Much of that time was spent exploring old cemeteries and poring over old records in court houses. She is preceded in death by her husband. Survivors include her three children, Paul Floyd, Madeline Floyd and Stephanie Purifoy. In addition, she is survived by her grandsons, Phillip Bruce Purifoy, III and William Joseph Purifoy. Visitation is 3-5 p.m. Sunday, at Ruebel Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 21, at 11 a.m., at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.