Gerald D. "Jerry" Brimberry

Gerald D. "Jerry" Brimberry, 84, of Palestine, IL, died November 30, 2020 at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. He was born July 3, 1936, in Palestine, the son of John & Blanche (Woods) Brimberry, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Oneita Gay Skidmore on November 16, 1956, and she preceded him in death on April 9, 2005. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jim Brimberry; by his sisters, Melcena McDaniel and Harriet Brooks; by his son, Doug Brimberry; and by his grandson, Blayne Benefield. He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Cherri E. & Bard Benefield (Robinson, IL); by his son & daughter-in-law, John & Kim Brimberry (rural Robinson, IL); by 4 grandchildren, Brandon Brimberry, Logan Brimberry, Sydney Brimberry, and Eric Brimberry; by his great-granddaughter, Violet Gabrielle Brimberry; by his brother-in-law, David & Deb Skidmore; by his special niece, Chastity Fitts; as well as numerous extended family members. Jerry grew up in Palestine, where he spent most of his life, with the notable exception of his time the service. He served his country patching aircraft as part of the 4238th Field Maintenance Squadron of the U.S. Air Force. Back home, he found work on the railroad for a time before getting on at Briggs Pottery, where he would spend 35 years before retiring in 1999. His retirement years found him picking up chainsaw carving, a skill that led him to carve wooden bears for the Leaverton Park in Palestine. It could be said that Jerry's passion for carving came second only to his love of jazz music. Over the course of his 84 years, he collected thousands of records, and was even able to see some of the greats live in New Orleans! Jerry was a familiar face within a number of local organizations, of which he was an active member: the Palestine Masonic Lodge #849, the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, the Ainad Shrine, the Crawford County Shrine Krazy Klowns, B.P.O.E. #1188, the Palestine Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132, and the Palestine First Christian Church. Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, services will be private. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Leaverton Park" in Palestine. Donations may be sent to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St Robinson, IL 62454 The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.