Jerry "Jc" Jelks

On Wednesday Mach 19th, 2025 Jerry was called home to be with the Lord as his loving wife held him in her arms. He was loved by many and truly will be missed. Jerry (JC) Jelks was born March 24, 1941 in Haywood County, Brownsville, TN to the union of Floyd Jelks Sr. and Wadie (Bond) Jelks. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. Jerry graduated from Eisenhower High School in Decatur, IL and later studied engineering. In 1962 he married Ora Lee Rawls-Hayes at St. Peter's AME who remained his wife for nearly 63 years. He then served in the military for two years in Korea. After returning home he was employed at Wagner's Casting Company for over 40 years with exemplary attendance and served as union steward until he retired. Jerry loved the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and gardening. He loved sharing his bounty with family and the community. He was a landlord for 40 years helping those who were disadvantage. According to a 1969 "Spotlight" (a Black owned newspaper) article, Jerry and his wife were leaders in the community by example due to being the first African American couple to purchase a home in their neighborhood. Jerry was a kind, soft spoken man with a recognizable deep voice that didn't know a stranger. Jerry leaves to cherish his loving memories, his dedicated wife, Ora Lee Jelks, his daughter Jacquelyn (Terry) Wright of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren; Kyle, Kameron and Kaci Wright of Fort Worth, TX, brother Thurman Jelks of Decatur, IL, brother-in-laws; Melvin Anderson of Atlanta, GA, Jesse (Fran) Hayes of Springfield, IL, Larry (Mamie) Hayes of Decatur, IL, sister-in-laws; Toni Rawls, Ethel Rawls and Dorothy (Charles) Bates all of Decatur, IL, Debra Jelks of Indianapolis, IN and Shirley (Richard) Montgomery of Gardena, CA, special aunt Overseer Lettie Allen and special friend/godson Billy Bob Nash as well a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and life long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lucille Anderson, brothers Floyd Jelks, Jr., Celonia Jelks, Joe Jelks, Milan Jelks, Noah Jelks and 7 heavenly angel babies.