Keri “Sunshine” Demers

Keri Lynne Demers, 58 of Waverly, Tennessee went to be with her Savior Monday, August 16, 2021. She was born February 27, 1963 in Culver City, California to Chet Smith and Freda (Ruston) Smith. Keri graduated from Liberty Christian High School in Huntington Beach, California in 1981. She loved G-d and the study of His scriptures. She went on to marry the love of her life, Paul-Henri Demers, on November 27th 1987.

Keri grew up with a strong love of family. In her younger years, Keri enjoyed swimming, camping with her family, and reading. She loved the Pacific Ocean and spent many precious family times exploring the tidepools at nearby beaches in Southern California. Later interests included family get-togethers, games, gardening, decorating, home making, and cooking.

She and Paul-henri had a strong desire for children of their own and were delighted to have a beautiful baby girl, (Emilie Rose Demers), followed 4 years later, by a darling boy, (Jared Rudyard Demers). Both of her children were the lights of her life. Her family and small farm were her passion and joy. Keri loved teaching and homeschooled her children.

Her love of community is still evident with a plaque that bears her name in Paris TN. She and a small group of mothers funded the renovation of 5 parks in Paris TN so that children could play safely on new equipment.

Keri prided herself in maintaining a beautiful home and was always clever in her bargain hunting. She was an amazing cook and created many a sumptuous meal for family and friends. She loved nature and all of God’s creatures. Keri’s love of animals and friends was surpassed only by her joyous zeal, her sense of humor, and her love of life. She loved people and enjoyed creating an atmosphere that truly welcomed others into their sweet home in Waverly, Tennessee. Gatherings for any occasion were the highlight of her life. While she had many friends, Keri especially loved her beautiful family and many relatives.

Keri will be greatly missed by her husband of 33 years, Paul-henri Demers; her daughter, Emilie Demers, and her son, Jared  Demers, both born in Paris, Tennessee; her mother, Freda (Ruston) Smith; and her sister, Kelly (Smith) Kelley; her half siblings, Paul Smith, Cheryl Haus and Wanda Leach, cousins Mel and Gayla Lazenby, Sharon and Kenny Gunther; her uncle Wayne Lazenby; her father in law, Joseph Demers; Her mother in law, Aurore Demers; in laws, Michelle Mynier, Jeanine Bernstein, Roger Demers, Rene Demers, Annette Demers, Denise LaVerdure and Andre Demers.

Keri was preceded in death by her father, Chester Stephen Smith.

A celebration of Keri’s life will take place in the near future, so that family and friends can share loving memories and reminisce and heal. An exact date and time will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Keri’s name may be directed to her favorite charity Joseph’s Storehouse which provides food to the hungry in Humphreys County and will receive donations at 538 Barren Hallow rd. Hurricane Mills, TN 37078. Keri was big-hearted and extremely generous. She would be very pleased that friends gave in her loving memory and absence.

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