Jerrie Lynne (Thrower) Bracken

In the early morning hours of 7 December 2021, Jerrie Lynne (Thrower) Bracken left her earthly body to join her late husband, Stephen, and their many beloved friends, family, and pets long since departed for the arms of our heavenly Father.

Jerrie was born 25 March 1950 in Quantico, Virginia, to Robert and Mattie (Stewart) Thrower. They preceded her in death. Jerrie spent her childhood and teenage years in Albany, Georgia, having been raised alongside older brother Robert and older sister Sandi, where the trio enjoyed lazy summer days at Radium Springs Park, eating Jimmy’s Hotdogs and swimming in the clear, cool waters as the Georgia sun beat down and all their cares took flight.

Jerrie met the love of her life, Stephen, in Topeka, and the two married on 9 August 1969 at University United Methodist Church. Together, the two enjoyed antiquing, barbequing, and spending time with their friends, family, and much-treasured pets.

Jerrie devoted over thirty-five of her working years to Whelan’s Lumber where she met many kind, caring coworkers who turned into friends who turned into family. Retiring in 2009, Jerrie found her days filled with thrift store shopping, caring for her “son,” Buddy, the miniature pinscher, and reading every magazine, newspaper, and book she could get her hands on. Jerrie was known for having never met a stranger, making everyone feel at home with her easy smile, comforting nature, and sage advice.

In the fall of 2015, the light in Jerrie’s eyes began to flicker, replaced with confusion and uncertainty at the hands of the relentless monster known as Alzheimer’s Disease. With the immense support and understanding of her eldest daughter, Stephanie, Jerrie navigated the troubling days and celebrated the splendid ones in the early stages of her diagnosis. Just as Jerrie was adjusting to her new way of life, Stephen succumbed to the perils of a lengthy series of health issues on 13 February 2016. With her daughters Stephanie and Samantha by her side, Jerrie was able to live independently having a new-found love of taking strolls around her neighborhood, socializing at the East Topeka Senior Center, and watching the Steve Wilkos show with fierce devotion.

Jerrie’s jovial personality and calming demeanor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Survivors include daughters Stephanie Bookman (Christopher), Topeka, and Samantha Bracken, Kansas City, Missouri; brother Robert “Bob” Thrower (Mary), Bonaire, Georgia; brother-in-law, Earl Bracken, Topeka; brother-in-law, Paul Nichols, Omaha, Nebraska; and numerous nieces, nephews, and furry grandchildren: Mason the Pug, Zeppelin the “pibble” mix, Rex the Boxer mix, and Mocha the Tortie.

Jerrie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her beloved older sister, Sandi Nichols.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made directly to the Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka (hhhstopeka.org), or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

An informal celebration of Jerrie's life will take place on Saturday, 15 January 2022, from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the Pizza Parlor, 1401 NE Seward Avenue; Topeka, KS. Family and friends are invited to stop by to share memories of Jerrie, meet with her family, and enjoy light refreshments. This is a family-friendly venue and children are welcome. 

               “When you walk through a storm,

               Hold your head up high

               And don’t be afraid of the dark

               At the end of the storm

               Is a golden sky

               And the sweet silver song of a lark. . . “

                              “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Elvis Presley