Jerome Hunt Sr.

Jerome Hunt, Sr. was born November 11, 1956 to Nathaniel, who preceded him in death, and Arthelna Hunt in Chicago, IL. He was the third son of six children born to this union. As a child, Jerome attended Paderewski Grammar School. From there, he attended Farragut High School, and graduated in 1974. Jerome attended several colleges and universities, including Malcolm X College, Prairie State College, and Governor State University. He also received numerous certificates of completion for various courses in Information Systems Technology, Medical Billing, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). In 1980, Jerome married Pearl Lynn Lewis. To this union were born a daughter, Jennifer, and son Jerome, Jr. Jerome's oldest children, Kaiwan and Kenyata Woods, were born to a previous relationship with Rosetta Woods-Jackson. In 2002, Jerome married the love of his life, Robbie Theresa Southern, thereby combining their families to include another daughter, Dereka Southern. Jerome was raised in the Church of God in Christ. As an adult, he made the decision to join St. Justin Martyr, which later became known as St. Benedict the African West until 2002. Jerome attended Christ Universal Temple until 2008, where he served in the audio/video ministry. In the spring of 2008, Jerome and his wife Robbie were introduced to Victory Apostolic Church, and on August 10, 2008, they were baptized together. Jerome served in the audio/video ministry. During his career, Jerome worked in the Information Systems Technology field for several different companies. Those companies included The Options Exchange, GATX, Kraft, Phillip Morris, Trans Union/Axiom, Bank of America, IBM, and most recently, United Airlines, where he worked as a consultant through the AIM consulting firm, before the onset of his illness. Information Systems Technology was his passion. Jerome was known to sometimes work two or three jobs in this field at one time. In his spare time, Jerome loved to work with his hands. Those close to him know of his love for tools and equipment. His garage was nicknamed, "Jerome's Depot." Jerome believed in being well-prepared whenever he wanted to tackle a project. Jerome also loved to play cards. He was always up for a good challenge to play a game of Bid Whist. In October 2010, he had the opportunity," to play cards at home with a host of family and friends. Jerome played until midnight. Jerome also loved "Steppin," and would dance the night away if given the chance. Jerome loved life and was very active in the community. He was on the Board of the Revitalization of West Englewood (R.O.W.E) project, active in the C.A.P. S. program, and was instrumental in closing a gang and drug infested neighborhood bar in the Englewood community, where he previously lived. Under much scrutiny and threats to his family, Jerome challenged neighborhood drug dealers and assisted law enforcement in ridding his neighborhood of crimes. Jerome was also very active with the youth. He chaperoned groups of high school students on trips to historically Black colleges and universities in the south. The first trip was a small group of teens, and Jerome actually drove the van. During the second trip, Jerome was one of the chaperones for a group of at least thirty-five young teens. Jerome was well known and liked in his current neighborhood. It was never unusual to see him during a snow storm, clearing the driveways and walkways of a number of neighbors, many which are widows and single mothers. He always had a kind word for everybody and words of encouragement for teens and troubled youth. He will be truly missed. Jerome was ushered into the presence of the Lord on Monday, December 20, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife and best friend ~ Robbie Hunt; children ~ Kaiwan (Shanta) Woods, Kenyata (Adrian) Mason, Jennifer Hunt, Jerome Hunt, Jr., and Dereka Southern; mother ~ Arthelna Hunt; sisters ~ Vernice (Jeff) Haskins and Brenda Hunt; brothers ~ Nathaniel Hunt, Jr. and Maurice (Betty) Hunt; eight grandchildren ~ Kamila, Malik, Maurice, Diamond, Adrian, Jr., Dylan, Jayla, and Giovanni; god children ~ Jordan Gaines, London Jacks, and Steven Brown, Jr.; honorary brothers ~ Kenneth Gates and Danny Brown; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.