by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
More than 225 colleagues, sources and City leaders gathered at The Florida Times-Union Tuesday to celebrate the career of veteran reporter Jessie-Lynne Kerr, who is battling cancer.
Kerr, a New York native, joined the Times-Union almost 47 years ago and covered beats that included the courts. The event was set up as a surprise.
“You’ve been very accepting,” said Kerr. “I feel a part of you all.”
Mayor John Peyton read a proclamation declaring the day in her honor. City Council member Warren Jones announced that part of Riverside Avenue will be designed “Jessie-Lynne Kerr Parkway.”
Chief Circuit Judge Donald Moran said the media room in the new Duval County Courthouse will be named the “Jessie-Lynne Kerr Media Room” and Times-Union Editor Frank Denton said a plaque will be installed at the Times-Union honoring her as “A pioneer. A legend. A tough old broad.”
The packed audtiorium included active and retired judges, former mayors, law enforcement officials and fire fighters, among others.
Kerr’s son, Jason Kerr, is a fire fighter and said his mother “embodies strength.”
He said that her first question after the diagnosis of small-cell lung cancer almost two years ago was “when can I go back to work?”
In thanking the crowd, she stated that they had another event to attend.
“This does not excuse you from the funeral,” she said.
356-2466