Geraldine "Jeri" Schadee, 87, of Pensacola, FL spread her wings on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, with her close friends by her side. 

One of Jeri Schadee’s favorite quotes was: “She was born, she lived and she died.”

That, she said, summed up her life pretty well and could be used by itself as her obituary.

But Geraldine “Jeri” Schadee, who was born in Natchez, MS, on July 8, 1938, was more than just a quotation. She was a pioneer of sorts who had a gregarious personality, a flirtatious nature and a smile in her voice.

After graduation from Morgan City, LA, High School, Jeri began her life adventures by joining the U.S. Navy. She was hired by the Pensacola Police Department on June 6, 1966 and was employed first as a clerk and then an identification technician until 1973 when she decided to attend the police academy at Pensacola Junior College.

In December 1973, she became the first female officer at the Pensacola Police Department and served the community as such until her retirement in February 1989.

Jeri enjoyed playing “a lot” of bridge and mahjong and particularly enjoyed playing bridge with friends at the Bayview Senior Center. She also deeply loved dogs, cats and birds.

One of her pets is a blue and gold macaw named Ricky, who is still alive and says, “Go night night” if a light is turned on while he is sleeping. “Well,” said Jeri, “I did go night night. And so, my friends, I’ll see you when I see you – but don’t hurry!

Special appreciation is extended to members of the Pensacola Police Department Honor Guard, Northwest Florida Patriot Guard Riders, and Mike Wadkins for their participation in the service; and to Chris Albini for his constant support and care of Jeri.

A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Beverly J. Norman - Krieg officiating. Following the memorial service, a funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 2:00pm for a graveside committal service at 2:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery, Shelter B. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pensacola Humane Society.