Deacon Jerry Kelly was born in St. Louis, MO on October 29, 1914 and was the second of five children. Both parents; two sisters, Bernice and Frances; and a brother, Clarence J. Prince preceded him in death. He attended St. Louis Public Schools and the University of Manila.
Deacon Kelly confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. In 1943, he united with Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church before joining the military. While serving in the military, he was awarded two bronze stars and good conduct medals and was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. In 1946, upon his return from military service, he joined the Prince of Peace Usher Board. He served as Senior President from 1971 to 1994. Under his leadership, the Young Adult Ushers were organized. He truly loved ushering.
Deacon Kelly was married to Maggie Kelly, who preceded him in death. Later, he met and married Hazel Kelly, who also preceded him in death.
Jerry was ordained as a Deacon under Rev. Norman E. Owens, Jr. He was the first van driver for the Bus Ministry.
He began his work history as a teamster with Consolidated Forwarding Company in 1939 with various promotions such as to Night Superintendent, retiring in 1978 with General Electric. He took pride in being a strong working man, always stating, “I worked for 40 years, never took a sick day and was always 45 minutes ahead of time.”
Deacon Kelly traveled with the ushers across the country. He enjoyed the relationship with ushers from all of the states of the National and State Ushers Organization. He worked on several committees within the National Ushers Association and the Missouri State Ushers Association. In 1969, he became president of the Church Ushers Alliance and served until 1974. In 2000, he became a member of the Church Ushers Alliance Hall of Fame. He was president emeritus of Prince of Peace Ushers and Church Ushers Alliance.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a sister, Pearlins M. Dorsey; three daughters, Alease Dailes (Shamicia, RaSheena); Sandra and Phyllis; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his best friends, James Mahan and Gene Davis.
