Georgette Jelks

Georgette S. Jelks, 71, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. She was born on December 13, 1954, in Centralia, the daughter of Elijah and Majoria (Jefferson) Maines. She married the love of her life, Willie James Jelks Sr. on January 2, 1994, and he preceded her in death on February 5, 2021.

Georgette is survived by her daughters Tiffany Maines of Los Angeles, CA; Mary Maines of Centralia, IL; Angela Jordan (Shamar) of St Peters, MO; and Marissa Jelks of Centralia, IL; sons, Nathaniel Maines (Justine) of Centralia, IL, and Willie Jelks Jr (Dessa) of Centralia, IL; sisters, Mary Moore of Long Beach, CA, Stephanie Maines of Freeport, IL, JoAnne Maines (Frank) of Mt Vernon, IL, Barbara Sosa of Dix, IL, Helen Hodge of Centralia, IL, Sherry Maines of Centralia, IL; brother, Jeffrey Maines of Centralia, IL; godson, Anthony Brooks of Centralia, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She loved her grandchildren and was a proud grandmother to Nataya, Samantha, Yvonne, Divine, Yavyair, Aaliyah, Sha'Mary, Marvayus, Aubriana, Myson, Elijah, Aadonus, SirVonté, Aavareus, Jaylynn, Kira, and Angelo.

Along with her husband, Willie J. Jelks Sr., she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Patrick Moore, and Michael Maines; children, James Maines, and Yvonne Maines; granddaughter Jayde Jelks; and best friend, Sherylyn Jefferies.

Georgette grew up in Centralia; she was a woman of God who held her faith above all things in her life. She was a high school track star and still holds a hurdles record at CHS. She enjoyed playing softball and shooting pool. She was a singer and loved singing with her sisters JoAnne and Stephanie whenever they got the chance. Everyone knows about the Maines sisters and their voices, it was always a treat to hear them harmonize! Georgette was a social butterfly, holding long conversations on the phone, and entertaining whoever she was talking to. She really liked to stay busy playing video games, mind puzzles, and watching her favorite shows. Her family and friends marveled at the way she could literally fix anything. Georgette will be remembered for her kindness, her athleticism, her joyful personality, and the special way she made everyone feel loved.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, February 13, 2026, at CALUMET STREET CHRISTIAN CHURCH in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. A visitation to offer condolences to the family will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made in Georgette's honor to her family directly. Online condolences and memories of Georgette may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.