Jerri is a dual citizen of the United States and New Zealand. She has worked in law since 1971, with the exception of the years she attended university. Jerri studied political science at BSU from 1986 to 1990.

She studied Law and Classical Studies at Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand from 1990 to 1994. Jerri tries to spend at least one month of the year in New Zealand with friends. In her spare-time she is an avid gardener, loves spending time with her family and her dog, Dame Kiri, and never misses watching a New Zealand Rugby match.