Geraldine “Jerre” McCulley‑Wadsworth

Obituary

Geraldine “Jerre” McCulley‑Wadsworth passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, following a courageous four‑month battle with cancer. She was a remarkable woman whose life was defined by intellectual brilliance, quiet determination, deep compassion, and unwavering integrity.

Jerre was born in Clinchmore, Tennessee, a small and close‑knit community that shaped her enduring humility and resilience. A gifted student, she earned a full scholarship to Seattle Pacific University, where she graduated with highest honors in Mathematics and English Literature. Her academic excellence led her to Stanford University, where she completed a master’s degree in data analysis and computing, as well as becoming a member of Mensa.

Jerre went on to build an extraordinary career in computing and aerospace, contributing her talents to NASA, SRI International, and the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory. At Lockheed, she became one of the organization’s first female managers, leading the Digital Imaging Processing Laboratory, where satellite imagery was analyzed for critical applications. She later transferred to Lockheed Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale, where she led a team developing a laser‑based defense system designed to protect against incoming missiles.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jerre was deeply devoted to dogs. She was a highly respected breeder, handler, and exhibitor of Australian Terriers, achieving numerous competitive successes. One of her proudest moments was placing in the Terrier Group at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Jerre is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth; her daughter, Deborah McDonald; and her cherished grandchildren, Sean and Kara. She will be remembered for her intellect, grace, kindness, and her lifelong commitment to excellence and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerre’s memory to Hearts United for Animals in Nemaha County, Nebraska (https://hua.org).

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