Kerry Lee Journey

Our beloved Kerry Lee Journey (Worley) passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 27, after a courageous battle with complications of ulcerative colitis. She was surrounded by her husband, Cory, her parents and many friends. Kerry was born Kerry Lee Worley on September 16, 1997 to Robert and RoxAnn Worley of Elkhorn, Nebraska. Kerry was welcomed into her home with her room painted with a rainbow over her crib. She was such a happy child, with a big smile, beautiful blue eyes and freckles dancing across her nose. Children in the neighborhood greeted Kerry as soon as she entered her home. There are so many memories of Kerry playing with all the neighborhood kids and celebrating special holidays and events in the cul-de-sac. She could also entertain herself playing with her Barbies and drawing many of her beautiful fashion clothes. Kerry learned to play the violin in first grade and enjoyed playing at family gatherings and recitals. Everyone was so surprised when she played a classical piece at her grandpa’s funeral and then broke out with a fiddle tune. Kerry was baptized and later confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, where she participated in many church activities. Kerry attended Elkhorn Public Schools and graduated from Elkhorn South High School in 2016. She enjoyed playing soccer and softball in her youth and played softball for Elkhorn South and several club teams. She made friends so easily in all of her activities, in our neighborhood and in high school, so many which have remained dear friends. Kerry was so proud to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated in 2020 with a degree in Social Work. She joined Willard Sorority and actively participated on campus. She was involved with social impact work and determined to address social issues. Her time at Wesleyan helped transform her to a confident, more outgoing woman ready to take on the world. She spent a month in Rwanda, which forever changed her life toward humanity. While in college, Kerry met the love of her life, Cory Journey. Kerry immediately knew Cory was the man she wanted to marry. They were married on September 7, 2024 and Kerry stated that their wedding was “a perfect day”. They made their wedding so personable and special with all their family and friends. After college, Kerry used her passion to help others, by working for a non-profit organization, RISE, to assist people transition from prison into society. She also worked for the Center for Housing and Health in Chicago to help house the homeless and individuals re-entering society from prison. Kerry had the heart for her work, showing compassion and strength at the same time. Kerry and Cory called Chicago their home for three years until her passing. They spent many happy hours making meals together, going to concerts and sporting events and spending time with their very supportive friend group. They both fell in love with the city and all it had to offer them. Kerry was preceded in death by her grandparents Boyd and Jane Worley, Francis and Letha Fry, her uncles Jerry Worley and Robert Fry and foster sister Graciela Jaimes. She is survived by her husband, Cory Journey, parents, Bob and Roxie Worley and our dearly loved Ayce, father-in-law and mother-in- law Terry and Shala Journey, sister-in-law Lacy Journey, and loving aunts and uncles, cousins and dear friends. Kerry left her lasting mark in the world and words cannot describe how much she will be missed. “Let go of your umbrella Cause, darlin’, I’m just trying to tell ya That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head”. Visitation will be on Friday, June 20, at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn, NE from 5:00-8:00 pm Memorial service will be on Saturday, June 21, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, at 2:00 pm. In honor of Kerry, memorial donations may be made to Center for Housing and Health, 200 W Monroe Street, Chicago, IL, 60606.

Kerry Lee Journey

September 16, 1997 - May 30, 2025