Gerry Harrah

About

Gerry Harrah founded God’s Designs, Inc. in 2002 with a heartfelt mission: to offer beautifully furnished, fully coordinated homes to those who couldn’t afford a professional decorator. Alongside her late husband, Jim, Gerry envisioned a nonprofit that would transform lives through the power of thoughtful design and compassionate outreach.

Born and raised in Kirkwood, Missouri—a suburb of St. Louis—Gerry graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she met Jim. She earned a degree in Elementary Education and spent several years teaching first grade. Yet her true passion was always decorating. From the moment she married, Gerry had a natural gift for turning every home into a warm, welcoming showplace.

For more than 30 years, Gerry used her talents to help others create beautiful living spaces. She was a regular contributor to the annual Bellarmine Show House fundraiser and transformed her own home on Bardstown Road into a multi-purpose haven. The property included living quarters for her mother, rental units, a bistro, and Shoppes on the Alley—vendor spaces that fostered community and creativity.

Gerry is also a published author. Her children’s book, Cottage Bears on Landor Lane, was inspired by her collection of handcrafted stuffed bears. More recently, she released Coincidence or Divine Intervention, a collection of personal stories where she felt God’s presence guiding her life.

The spark for God’s Designs came during a time of personal loss. After the passing of her son, Gerry was contacted by a single mother in need of furniture. She donated her son’s belongings, and in doing so, felt the stirrings of a deeper calling. That same year, she was approached by Meridzo, a Christian nonprofit in Lynch, Kentucky, to help decorate a cabin for their retreat center. Despite having no furniture, no transport, and no team, Gerry responded with unwavering faith: “Certainly, we would love to help.”

That faith became the foundation of God’s Designs. Furniture appeared. Volunteers stepped forward. A trailer was offered. And the mission took flight.

Incorporated in 2010 and granted 501(c)(3) status in 2012, God’s Designs grew under Gerry’s leadership. Even after losing Jim in 2013—her partner in life for 60 years—Gerry continued to work tirelessly, serving as President and Chair of the Board until February 2023.

Her dedication has been recognized with numerous honors, including the WLKY Bell Award in 2014, celebrating her embodiment of the “Spirit of Louisville” through selfless service. In 2021, she received the AARP Andrus Award for community service in Kentucky.

Today, Gerry’s vision lives on. God’s Designs has furnished over 600 homes, impacting more than 2,000 lives. Volunteers remain inspired by her warmth, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of community. Her legacy is one of transformation—making not just houses, but homes.