Elder Jerome Ricks

McDonough - Elder Jerome Ricks, 70 passed away June 21, 2023 at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Elder Jerome Ricks affectionately called “Boo” by his wife , and “Jewelry” by his cousins was born on March 25, 1953, in Savannah GA to the late Elder Benjamin Ricks Sr. and Evangelist Leola Aretha Sellers Ricks. In 1954 Benjamin and Leola left the south and decided to take their youngest child Jerome, who was 2 years old, to New York for a better life. Elder Ricks attended P.S.44, JHS 258, JHS 57 as well as Fort Hamilton H.S. There he played his favorite sport Football as an Offensive Lineman. He went to Medgar Evers College to continue his education. The Family roots began at 554 Gates Ave in Brooklyn in a tough area of Bedford Stuyvesant. He became the big brother to many of the guys on the block. He taught them football, boxing, and swimming. He was an advent swimmer. A & W Moving Company became a staple in the neighborhood. He would help move clients under the leadership of Otis Hampton Sr. who became a father figure to so many in the community. Jerome always loved to work. It started out as an entrepreneur of Ricks Candy store his father gave him at an early age. Jerome worked also in Chinatown for 20 years as a delivery truck driver. God’s Child ambulette Company as a driver/dispatcher. In 2009 Jerome got called to work for NYC Transit Authority as a laborer, unfortunately he took a medical leave in 2014. Elder Jerome loved to discuss the word of God. A few weeks ago, he and Elder Harold Bryant sat for 3 hours discussing and sharing Gods word. His discussions would continue with his siblings. Rose, Elder William, District Missionary Barbara, and anyone else that would listen. Elder Ricks was a member of Mt. Sinai Cathedral under the late Bishop Clarence L. Sexton Sr. as well as Bishop Clarence Sexton Jr. There he was groomed to learn and walk with God! In 1997 he had a burning desire to tell the unsaved about Jesus Christ being his Lord and Savior. He joined Bethel Emanuel Temple under the leadership of Bishop Curtis Bernard Sexton to further his quest for Christ. He held several positions : Superintendent of the Sunday School , President of the Prison Ministry and Advisor over the Elder’s Council. He loved his Bishop and the Saints of God! He had a favorite saying he would use for our children: “Learn to listen and Listen to Learn” when he wanted to get his point across. Elder Jerome transitioned from this life on June 21, 2023, at 3:50 am due to medical complications. Second Corinthians 5:8 (KJV) We are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memories: His Beloved Wife Evangelist Stephanie Ricks of 29 Years. Sons: Jerome Johnson Ricks (Olivia), Courtney Ricks (Nicole) Jamar Carter Ricks (Deceased) Virgil Carter (Stephanie) Dashawn Carter (Katherine) Trevon Ricks Daughters: Tiwana Johnson Ricks, Toyaisha White (Phillip) Tiffany Wells , Treniece Ricks, Tanya Wiggins, Tanay Ricks Siblings: Rose Kimble ( Alvin), Elder William Ricks (Marcia) District Missionary Barbera Ricks Thompson, Eighteen Grandchildren 3 Great grands , Brother in laws , sisters in law, Mother in law (Sharon Roberts), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elder Jerome Ricks

March 25, 1953 - June 21, 2023