Jeri Lynn Bogart-Cornett, wife and best friend of husband Michael Cornett passed away due
to Alzheimer’s disease on October 24th. Jeri was born in Columbus, Ohio, to John and Jo
Bogart, who preceded her in their journey to meet their God and Jesus. Jeri will be greeted
by her parents, Michaels’s parents and a brother-in-law, and several aunts and uncles who
loved her dearly.
In addition Michael, Jeri is survived by children Erin Owens (Rob), Jamie Long and Jonathan Cornett (Autumn) dnd four
grandchildren-Alexia Cooper, Rinn Owens, Jerilyn Long and Mary Lynn Owens. She is also survived by siblings Jill Sullivan (Jim), Johnny Bogart
(Jennifer Kaloz), Sandy Bogart (Dave), Sharon Bogart and Amy Bogart, along with several nieces and nephews.
She is survived by Michael’s family Jeannine Zalokar, Jennifer Lacefield (Phil), Pattijo Hughes, Jamie Gayhart (Patty), Andy Gayhart (Mary), and Bill Gayhart (Wanda) along with several nieces and nephews. A brother of Michael’s, David Gayhart, died at a young age, and was truly missed by Jeri and Michael through the years.
A special friend to Jeri and Michael, Mary Ann Mahr, was a true Godsend to Jeri and Michael the past fourteen years. Mary Ann
and Jeri met a Cove United Methodist Church and essentially be- came joined at the hip for their time together. Mary Ann took Jeri
with her everywhere as Jeri’s Alzheimer’s condition slowly progressed. Mary Ann and Jeri attended Kiwanis meetings, went to
Tai Chi classes, exercise classes and were frequently at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, one of their favorite places. Mary Ann is
forever a part of our heart and family.
Jeri met her husband, Michael, while both were attending the Ohio State University. Upon Michael’s graduation, they moved to
North Alabama for Michael to begin a career in the Pulp and Paper industry. During the next thirty years, the family moved within
the industry with stops in Texas, Arkansas, Georgia and back to North Alabama, which was Jeri’s first love. Michael then took a job
as Safety & Security Director with Huntsville Utilities. Jeri made it clear that if he ever tried to move again, she would be sending
him a Christmas card.
During the time in Georgia, Jeri graduated Cum Laude from Valdosta State University with a degree as a Registered Nurse.
She is a brilliant person, and she was constantly studying after graduation to learn more and apply each new idea or medical
breakthrough in her job. At each hospital Jeri worked at, she was sought by co-workers for ideas and advise. Often, student nurses
were assigned to work with her for clinical training in Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Well-Baby
Nursery and was a teacher in lactation (breast feeding) for new mothers. She also served on Committees to update or revise procedure manuals; in fact, she was on a team that wrote the first manuals for these disciplines when Crestwood Hospital in Huntsville began a Birthing Center.
Jeri was excellent seamstress, making many smocked garments for her children and grandchildren. She also sewed and embroidered christening gowns prior to the birth of nieces and nephews and cousins when requested. Knitting, needlepoint work were
also in her skill set.
She was an avid gardener. The beauty and colors of her gardens were amplified by her selections. She directed Michael on plantings so there would be blooming and colors from early spring until fall. She was unmatched in her ability to make a beautiful garden presentation.
Finally, she was an avid reader. She routinely finished two or three books a week. The constant stream of paperbacks and
books from the libraries was phenomenal. If ever there was a person with internal knowledge and temperament that can be
gained by reading, she was at the top.
Funeral Services will be held at Berryhill Funeral Home on Memorial Parkway on November 2nd. Visitation will be from 10:30
a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Interment will be the following day at Maple Hill Cemetery.
If preferred, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local Rape Crisis Center. Jeri Served with two of these agencies in
her career; she was a strong proponent for supporting the work of these agencies. Also, a contribution to the Alzheimer’s
Association, which is striving to find a cure for this brutal disease, would be a significant honor to Jeri’s memory.
