Our beloved matriarch Alta G. “Geri” Jeffers passed away on July 29, 2025, just shy of her 90th birthday. Geri was born on August 13, 1935, to Russell and Dorthy Louise (Epps) Schmittou in Postoak, Texas. Her youth was spent living in various towns throughout North central Texas before settling in Abilene, Texas.
Geri graduated from Abilene High, attended Hardin Simmons University and competed in the Miss Texas beauty pageant. Through a mutual friend she met and married the love of her life, Donald D. Jeffers, in 1958. Thus began a life of adventure, new faces, new places, courtesy of the United States Air Force.
First stop, Missouri, where daughter Judy was born. On to Mississippi welcoming son James. Back home to Texas while Don was remote in Korea. Busy with two toddlers, Geri still had time to champion humanitarian efforts, leading multiple clothing drives for Don to deliver to local Korean orphanages. Then Colorado and son Jeffrey. Washington D.C., Australia, Washington, and Turkey were all home. Adventures to Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Amsterdam, France, and England in between before settling in Colorado Springs.
Family first always, Geri held our family together while lovingly supporting Don’s career. Daily agendas were full of children’s sporting practices, sporting events, music lessons. So very proud of her family. She was an amazing hostess, whether it be entertaining foreign dignitaries or grilling with her AFA tail gate buddies, Geri always made sure things were top notch!
An amazing cook, avid bridge player, tennis player, bowler and passionate shopper, Geri kept busy! She held elected positions in the Officers Wives Club, Junior League of Colorado Springs, Retired Officers Wives Club, Republican Women’s Committee and Military Officers Association of America.
The sudden death of Don in 1984 left Geri shattered, yet unwavering in dedication to family. She continued to travel, reconnecting with old friends in Australia, cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal, train trips and bus trips crisscrossing the United States, going home to Texas to spend time with family, visiting her sons and their growing families at whatever duty station was next. Lots of bridge games, impromptu cocktail parties, Air Force football games, concerts… and babysitting grandchildren!
Our mother was the most generous woman, to all who met her. She was strong, loving, kind. We miss her deeply, but our hearts are full of joy knowing she is now living free of suffering.
Geri was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jeffers, LTC (Ret.) USAF; her parents; and brothers, Glenn Schmittou and Reford Schmittou. She is survived by her children: Judy Sobik and her husband, Tim; James Jeffers, Colonel (Ret) USAF, and his wife, Doris; and Jeffrey Jeffers, Major (Ret) USAF, and his wife, Lisa; grandchildren: Stephanie LaFarr and her husband, Jason; Timothy Sobik II; Russell Jeffers; Ryan Jeffers; John Jeffers, GM2 USN; and Jason Jeffers; and great-grandchildren, Griffin and Lennox LaFarr.
Private services will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado at WWW.ALZ.ORG/CO to make a donation in Geri’s name.
My deepest condolences to the entire Jeffers Family. She was always so nice and generous to our family. Dave and Audrey Dunlap
Geri certainly had an impact in my life. She made sure Judy and I were dressed to the nines. I have many great memories of time spent with her at her home and many times tailgating at Air Force Football Games. She never turned down an opportunity to go shopping. Always beautiful and generous.
Judy
So sorry to hear about your mom, I use to love when she would come in to the bar with all her friends she would always make us laugh, she was so funny and so stylish.
Lynn and I met Geri soon after landing in Co Springs. On a bus trip from the AF Academy to Coors Brewery we discovered we knew someone in common – her son Jim ( much more to that story) but to continue: she was a bright star that kept everyone on the trip laughing. She always smiled, you always felt relaxed around her. I don’t think she ever met a stranger. Lynn and I will certainly miss her smile and her memory lives on in our hearts.
Love to her and the Jeffers family.
Robyn and Lynn Sleeth
Geri and Don opened their house to my brother and I when we were at the Air Force Academy. I can never thank them enough for their generosity and comfort to my brother and me. The entire family was generous to both of us.
God bless you Geri and look forward to seeing you and Don when I follow you to heaven.
Rest in peace, beautiful Geri. We send our love to Jim, Doris and all the family.
Holding you in our hearts and prayers,
Larry and Andi
May Geri rest in peace and sending prayers to all the families at this time.
Geri was our across the street neighbor in Falcon Estates. She was so gracious and became a very good friend and neighbor to us. She was always so vivacious and had a smile on her face. We were sad when she moved away but knew she could not keep up her property like she wanted to. RIP beautiful Geri.
Such a beautiful picture and fun tribute to a truly beautiful Miss Texas candidate. As you sort through a lifetime of shared family history and cherished memories, may you feel the loving support beyond family in your midst and be uplifted also by long-time friends and admirers from afar. We think of you with sympathy and with love, Roger and Becky Meyer (Mark and Beth, too)
Judy,
Love to you and your family. I always enjoyed your mom’s visits to the Hotel Bar. She was quite the entertainer and you definitely got that trait from her. May all the happy memories of her bring you joy. Her legacy definitely lives on in all of you.
Jeff,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Pandu Narayanasamy
Geri’s Family,
I am so sorry for all of you about Geri’s passing. You did such a great tribute to her. I remember the fun times we had with her. Also running into her at Shopping Malls. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Layson