Gerri Tomlinson

Gerri-Lynn Tomlinson

Dec. 4, 1955 - Nov. 17, 2020

Gerri-Lynn Tomlinson, beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed away unexpectedly of an aneurysm on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, in her home in Manahawkin, New Jersey. She was 64 years old.

Gerri was born in Lakewood, NJ, and grew up in Mayetta. She graduated from Southern Regional High School and earned an associate’s degree at Ocean County Community College. In 1970, on the way to an event with friends, she happened to ride in Bill Tomlinson’s car. He likes to say, “She never got out.” They were married on Valentine’s Day,1976. They welcomed son Nicholas in 1995, and he was Gerri’s greatest joy.

Gerri entered a career in banking in 1975 and, after several promotions, celebrated retirement in 2018. She was a member of the Forked River Rotary for 25 years, setting out flags along streets on all federal holidays. She was an active participant in the Rotary’s food and toy drives.

She enjoyed attending NASCAR races, camping with Bill and Nick, and travelling with her long-time friend, Robin Meyers. This time of year, she was well known for her elaborate Christmas decorations and lawn displays, revealing that she was a devoted Disney enthusiast.  She visited Disney World in Florida with her family 9 times. Gerri also was a voracious reader. As a six-year-old, she was reading at least 10 fourth-grade-level library books a week.

Gerri was preceded in death by her parents, Emma Jean and Lewis Parker and Albert F. Giles, and brothers Lewis Parker Jr. and Frederick Giles.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, William Tomlinson, and son Nicholas Tomlinson; her sisters Susan Stillwell (Edward), Sue Williams (Bud), Lynn Griffin, and Ruth Giberson; and an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

After her cremation, a memorial gathering will be held for Gerri on Sunday, November 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Maxwell–Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gerri-Lynn Tomlinson’s name to any local food bank, or animal rescue/shelter.

Due to the pandemic, the family will hold a celebration of Gerri’s life at a later date.

Due to COVID 19 guidelines, the funeral home is operating at restricted capacity. Please note that face masks and social distancing are required at all times for all in attendance of all services.