In Memoriam

Jeffries joined the communication department in August 2014 as the visiting minority postdoctoral fellow. She had just finished her third semester with the department before her passing on Jan. 15. Jeffries was known as an impassioned teacher, an authentic colleague and to her family, a follower and fulfiller of her dreams.
The service was performed following Quaker beliefs, as Jeffries identified as being Quaker. The service began with a moment of silence followed by people standing to speak about Jeffries as they felt called to do so. The service ended with those in attendance singing “Amazing Grace.”
“We were fortunate enough to hire her as a post doctoral fellow here at WKU,” Richard Miller, vice provost and chief diversity officer said during the service.
Jieyoung Kong, assistant professor in the communication department, read from a note she prepared in Jeffries memory. The note highlighted several aspects of the two’s relationship such as their first time meeting and working together. She also spoke about the passion Jeffries had for teaching.
“You wanted students to experience genuine human connection,” Kong said.
Charlotte Elder, instructor and director of recruiting, also spoke of her time spent with Jeffries while in the communication department. She said how Jeffries was always willing to listen and tell a story and how she was a walking library of stories.
“Everything you told her became a story for her not to show off later but because she cared,” Elder said.

Dr. Linda Alice May Perry, 65, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at her home in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Dr. Linda Alice May Perry, 65, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at her home in San Diego.
She is survived by two daughters, Holly Nichols of Rhode Island and Heather Mann of Colorado; her granddaughter, Ashley Nichols of Massachusetts; sisters, Bonnie Garrett of Maine and Sandra Perry of Iowa; and a brother, Ronald Perry of Maine.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jean and C. Sidney Perry of Kennebunkport, Maine; and a brother, David Perry of Kansas.
Linda was professor emeritus of communication studies and gender studies at the University of San Diego and was highly regarded in her field. She was a lover of dogs, film, theater, music, museums, travel, the San Diego Zoo, and games. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister, and a fiercely loyal friend.
Linda continually overcame challenges related to her chronic illnesses with courage and determination, a trait admired by many.

Jeffries joined the communication department in August 2014 as the visiting minority postdoctoral fellow. She had just finished her third semester with the department before her passing on Jan. 15. Jeffries was known as an impassioned teacher, an authentic colleague and to her family, a follower and fulfiller of her dreams.
The service was performed following Quaker beliefs, as Jeffries identified as being Quaker. The service began with a moment of silence followed by people standing to speak about Jeffries as they felt called to do so. The service ended with those in attendance singing “Amazing Grace.”
“We were fortunate enough to hire her as a post doctoral fellow here at WKU,” Richard Miller, vice provost and chief diversity officer said during the service.
Jieyoung Kong, assistant professor in the communication department, read from a note she prepared in Jeffries memory. The note highlighted several aspects of the two’s relationship such as their first time meeting and working together. She also spoke about the passion Jeffries had for teaching.
“You wanted students to experience genuine human connection,” Kong said.
Charlotte Elder, instructor and director of recruiting, also spoke of her time spent with Jeffries while in the communication department. She said how Jeffries was always willing to listen and tell a story and how she was a walking library of stories.
“Everything you told her became a story for her not to show off later but because she cared,” Elder said.