Willie Joseph Jerry

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid...For thy God, He is doth go with thee: He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

- Deuteronomy 31:6

CROWLEY - Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 10,  at Israel Baptist Church in Crowley for Willie Joseph Jerry, 88, who died at his home on Jan. 2. Burial will follow at the West Crowley Cemetery. 

Officiating the services will be Rev. Ivan Lewis. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Israelite Baptist Church. 

Mr. Jerry’s earliest religious training began in Crowley. He was baptized at Israelite Baptist Church at an early age and remained an active member until his passing. 

His educational training began at H.C. Ross Elementary School in Crowley. Upon graduation from high school, Mr. Jerry joined the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty in the Korean War. 

Upon completion of his tour of duty, Mr. Jerry enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree plus 30 hours. 

Mr. Jerry was employed as a teacher at Ross High School and later at Crowley High School. During this interval, he met and married fellow teacher Louise E. Woods. They shared many years working together at Crowley High School. Unfortunately, Mrs. Jerry passed away after a brief illness on Dec. 1, 1991. Mr. Jerry continued to teach for several more years before retiring. 

Mr. Jerry retained his connection with Crowley High School by collecting tickets at the football games and presenting scholarship awards to four graduating students in memory of his late wife. 

Mr. Jerry was an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Masonic Order. 

One of his joys was to attend the 11 a.m. service at Israelite Baptist Church. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two brothers, Harry A. Jerry (Odelia) of Opelousas and Donald L. Jerry of San Francisco; and two sisters, Leona Salter of Oakland, California, and Leola Washington of San Francisco. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Woods Jerry; and his parents, Morine Bias Jerry and Ennis Jerry. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Derrick Jerry, Dwight Poullard, Stanley Poullard, Curtis Wilson, Brian Simpson and Kenneth Salter. 

Honorary pallbearers are Harry Jerry, Hercules Toby, Donald L. Jerry, Rudy Salter, Norman Woods, Dwight Jarret, John Salter and Alden Salter.