Jeri Kathryn Willen passed away at her home in Conroe, Texas, on August 8, 2023 surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dennis Willen, sister Jeannine Streur, daughters Kathryn (Gary) Willen, Gwendolyn (John) Wright, Allison (Todd) Murray, and Elisabeth (Donald) Taylor, eight granddaughters, and five great-grandchildren.

Jeri was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 27, 1934, to Russell and Esther Risley, and was raised in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. She graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1952 and attended Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin. Following the death of her husband Philip Reed, she raised their four daughters and graduated from Purdue University with a master's degree in psychology. After moving to the Houston area in 1980, She attended St. Mary's Seminary and received a master's in divinity from Houston Graduate School of Theology in 1998.

Over the course of her career, Jeri worked for several social service agencies as well as Purdue University, the University of Illinois, and North Harris Community College, where she taught a class on death and dying.  A devout Episcopalian, Jeri taught Education for Ministry in Houston and Huntsville and facilitated a long-running bible study group at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Houston.

A memorial service will be held at St. Dunstan's.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Children International or Compassion International .