Deacon Kenneth Eugene Jelks

Kenneth Eugene Jelks was born on February 10, 1948, in St. Petersburg, Florida to the strong and loving Mack Charles Jelks Sr. and Betty Jelks. He graduated from Gibbs High School, class of 1967. He played football for Gibbs as a bad Running Back, and on the wrestling Team with the nickname (Scuba).

Kenneth joined the United States Navy in 1968. He served twenty-one years for our country and honorably discharged in 1989, afterwards joining the workforce until retirement.

Kenneth loved music, movies, and especially dancing (his favorite song was Got to Clean up what I messed up, by the Canton Spirituals). He was an avid reader and a faithful watcher of National Geographic, and several other sports. He dedicated twenty-one years of service as a Deacon and choir member under the leadership of Reverend Wallace S. Rasberry, Sr. at the Central Baptist Institutional Church (Jacksonville, Florida).

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, our Heavenly Father called Kenneth to eternal rest. Kenneth was preceded in death by both parents, Mack Charles Sr. (MC) and Betty Jelks; his brother, Mack Charles Jelks Jr.; his grandson, Jacari Anthony Woody; uncles, Lorenzo Jelks, Solomon Jelks, Luther Jelks, and Frank Gilliam; and aunts, Wilmatine Gilliam and Maye Walker.

Deacon Jelks leaves behind to cherish his loving memory, loving and devoted wife of forty-two years, Sharon Jelks; daughters, Shona Jelks, Kenyatta Jelks, Tracey Jelks, Tonia Burns, Shaleatha Doughty (Kevin), and Dena Taylor; mother-in-law, Mildred Pope; loving siblings, Eddie J. Jelks, Ruth Harris, Gwendolyn Jelks Khatatba, Betty Jelks and Brenda Godfrey (Thomas); loving family members, Grace Jelks (Burl), James Gamble (Gail), James Robinson (Robin), Larry Pope (Sharon), Bishop Ellis Hodge (Terrilyn), Stephen William Sr. (Theresa), Tonora Dessaw (Tonya Gilliman), David Jelks (Yvonne) and Reverend Kenyatta L. Jelks Sr. (Na’Taki); eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a large host of nieces and nephews.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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