Gail J Demery

Gail J. Demery, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 29, 2024, at the age of 83, after a brief illness, and surrounded by family, at her bedside in Touro Hospital. Gail was born on July 4, 1941, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Clara S. JeanPierre, and her sister Rosemary J. Route. Gail attended Corpus Christi School for her early education. From there she attended Joseph S. Clark Sr. High School and graduated in 1960. She then married and started her family. Gail began working at Krauss Department Store during this time and worked her way up to manager of the Custom Drapery department, where she remained until her retirement in 1997. While working at Krauss she attended Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) and graduated 1980, with a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Social Work. In 2002, she began working at St. Michael’s Special School where she was an Assistant Teacher until her passing. Gail will be remembered for her faithfulness, kindness, generosity, patience, devotion, gracefulness, quiet-strength, commitment, thoughtfulness, humbleness, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and community. She was a peaceful angel warrior and a deeply caring individual and lived her life as such. As a life-long Catholic parishioner, she was actively engaged and supportive of her home church, Corpus Christi-Epiphany Catholic Church, and St. Michael’s Special school’s students, faculty, and parents. She was also a long-time, dedicated Election Day Commissioner with the State of Louisiana, present at her poll location for every election being held at the city, state, and federal levels. During Mardi Gras season, she dedicated her time every year to assisting Mardi Gras krewe members, dressing them in their costumes for the various Mardi Gras parades. Gail leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Wanda Pierre Brooks (Hubert) and Wendy Demery Andrews (Rene), her sister, Geraldine J. Daunoy, two grandsons, Corey J. Pierre, Sr. and Christopher C. Washington (Jordan), five great-grandchildren Deja M. Pierre, Corey “CJ” Pierre, Jr., Keirah Jose’ Jennings, Kai Luna Lopez, and Haven Noel Washington, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and community members. She will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone who knew her, as she touched the hearts of many. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi – Epiphany Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, LA., on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 8:00 am until service time. Rosary starts at 9:15 am. The interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery #3, 3421 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans. A repast will follow interment at Corpus Christ-Epiphany Catholic Church Cafeteria, 2022 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in remembrance of “Gail J. Demery” via https://www.stmichaelspecialschool.com/support-smss/remembrancesform.cfm or mail check or money order in remembrance of “Gail J. Demery” payable to: St. Michael Special School, 1522 Chippewa Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.