Pearlie Jelks

Pearlie Kate Jelks was born August 5, 1927 to her parents John and Elizabeth Jackson in Hurtsboro, AL. She was the sixth of nine children born to this union. Pearlie received Christ at the early age of 11 and she enjoyed spreading the word of God. Pearlie received her education in the Hannon Public School System in Alabama. She was an avid reader and loved to write poetry and enjoyed solving a good word search. Later, Pearlie married Cpl. John E. Jelks, Sr. on April 11, 1944 and they later relocated to East Chicago, IN in 1952. Pearlie was employed at the Elks Building as a cook and later she was a part of the janitorial staff at Inland Steel Research Lab. But, her greatest pleasure was babysitting and caring for so many children. They all loved her dearly and would affectionately call her “Grandma Pearl.” Pearlie Kate Jelks passed away Sunday, October 18, 2020 at her home in East Chicago, IN. She was 93. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Elizabeth Jackson; husband John E. Jelks, Sr.; son John E. Jelks, Jr.; sisters Louise, Mattie, Lizzie, and Mozell; brothers John, Jr., Jeff and Levi and great-granddaughter Ashley Moranda. She leaves to cherish her memories her children Ruby (Karl) Thomas, Doris (Bicc) Chavis, Dorothy Jelks, Sam (JoAnne) Jelks, Sr. and Ruth Jelks; daughter-in-law Phyllis Jelks; brothers-in-law Walter (Dorothy) Albernathy and Macey Williams; grandchildren Tracey (Clarence) Peak, Talaya (Theo) Russell, Mark (Denise) Jelks, Crystal Jelks, Jerett (Taria) Knox, Michael (Nicole) McCloud, Sam Jelks, Jr., Doug Jelks, JoHari Jelks, Cornelius (Tesha) Adams III, Akilah Huffman, Nikki Dates, Monique (Rickey), Michael Chavis, Rene’ Chavis, Karl II (Shenita), Tanesha (Kourtney), Karlton and Karmyjia; 26 great-granchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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