Jeraldine Norma Ballou

Jeraldine Norma Ballou, a cherished wildlife photographer and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at the Whitney Nursing and Rehab Center in Whitney, Texas, following a brief illness, at the age of 76. Born on June 16, 1949, the daughter of Norman Ballou and Elsie Tivey and grew up in Alexandria, NH. She was a graduate of Bristol High School. Jeraldine’s life was a testament to her passion for nature and her profound dedication to capturing its beauty through her camera lens.

Jeri married Vincent Levasseur of Thornton in December of 1968, and they had 2 son's, Stacy and Jamin. Following her divorce from Vincent in  1978, Jeri moved to Laramie, Wyoming. In November of 2010, Jeri married Henry Harms of Newburn, North Carolina, who remained her best friend until her passing. 

Jeraldine’s love for Wyoming was evident throughout her life; it was not only her home but her muse. She pursued her education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, where she earned her bachelor's degree. It was during her college years that she deepened her appreciation for the wild landscapes that would later define her career and legacy. 

Jeri had many passions and lived a remarkable life. She loved to travel and took trips to Europe, Great Britain, Africa, China, Alaska, Hawaii, and more. She loved horses and raised Paso Fino horses while living on her farm in North Carolina. Jeri was also an art collector and dealer. She was a long-time member of the West Thornton Grange and attended White Bluff Chapel in Whitney, where she sang in the choir as her health permitted.

For over thirty years, Jeraldine dedicated herself to wildlife photography, a field where she truly excelled and found immense joy. Her artistry and talent led to the publication of numerous photographs on a national scale, captivating audiences with the raw and stunning imagery of the natural world. Her work not only illustrated the splendor of wildlife but also inspired many to appreciate and protect the environment.

Jeraldine’s life was enriched by her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband, Henry Harms, who shared in her journey and passions. Her loving sons, Stacy and his wife Maria, and their sons, Caleb and Riley of Thornton, NH, and Jamin and his wife Jennifer and their son and daughter of Campton, NH, carry forward her legacy, as do her grandchildren who brought her much joy. She also leaves behind her brother, Jim Laughlin of Florida, and her sister, Joyce Reynolds of North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews. who remember her with fondness and respect.

Jeraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Normans and Elsie, and her sister, Jackie Moser, whose memories remain a part of her enduring spirit.

Jeraldine Norma Ballou’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her craft and her deep connection to the natural world. She leaves behind a profound legacy through her photographs and the countless lives she touched along the way. Her memory will endure in the hearts of her family, her friends, and the vast wilderness she so lovingly portrayed. She will be remembered for her humor, her independence, her bravery, and for the love she gave to her friends, family, and pets. 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the White Bluff Chapel in Whitney, Texas, with Randy Marshall officiating.