Jerry Lamont Rankin

Jerry Lamount Rankin was born on July 6,1948 in Ecorse, Michigan to the union of Thelma Irene Nelson and William Addison Rankin. Their home on Mendota, was filled with love, laughter, lessons, patience, and the music of Gloria Lynn. Jerry was the second eldest of 10 children that were raised and educated in northwest Detroit. As a young child, Jerry attended Catholic as well as Detroit Public Schools. Jerry accepted Christ at an early age at Our Lady of Victory Church, where he served as an altar boy in his youth. Jerry’s very first job as a kid was a paperboy. He used his paper route money to purchase Christmas gifts for his family. He would always say, “I threw a paper for a penny.” During his high school years, Jerry worked at Bakers Shoes in Northland Mall. While working there, the friendship of the Baker Boys, Inc. was branded. “Follow your Heart” was printed on their calling cards. After graduating from Mumford High School in 1966, Jerry worked for Michigan Bell as a telephone technician. He announced to friends that he had met the woman he was going to marry. He joined in union with Delores Dalton. Jerry continued his education at Wayne County Community College. In 1971 he received an Associate of Arts Degree while working for Xerox Corporation. He was the youngest service technician hired at that time. Jerry attended Lawrence Technical University, during the evening to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management in 1980. Jerry hosted parties for friends, family, and Xeroids in his Southfield home. He was an active member of the Black Caucus in the Xerox Corporation. Jerry worked for 23 years as a service technician, manager, district manager, and salesman. Upon his retirement in 1992, he devoted his time to his business and calling, GPA Challenge. Believing that this was his calling from God, Jerry worked tirelessly to promote his vision of empowering students with the tools and motivation to learn mathematics. Jerry volunteered his cooking talents for church carnivals and mentored students through the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Foundation’s “Twelve Together” program. Love was always in the center of Jerry’s heart, mind, and soul. He met Sharon Woods at a bible study. They were united in matrimony in 1995. He later married Alexis Wilkins in 2007. Jerry again became a student under the tutelage of his pastor and mentor, Dr. Frederick G. Sampson of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. He was an active member of the church and participated in the men’s choir and ministry. His chicken salad became a sought - after treat at church gatherings. Jerry became an ordained minister and graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2006 with a Master of Arts Degree in Religion. Jerry eventually became a member of Greater Christ Baptist Church, where he was pastored by Dr. Perkins. There, he found his final church home where he remained a devoted member until his death. Jerry was called home by the Lord on Tuesday, February 14, 2022. His friends and family were with him as his earthly journey ended. He will be forever loved and remembered by his children: Dawn (Damon Schrock, Joseph & Nickolas) and Anthony (Ivy), his granddaughters, Sydney and Ryann Rankin along with Delores Rankin. His close knit nine siblings: William (Shirley), Rita (John Willis), Angela, Sharon, Margaret, David (Cheryl), Cheryl (Thaddeus Brown), Paula (Kim Heard) and Kevin (Eina). His uncles: Charles Nelson, George Nelson, William Nelson, and aunts: Jameelah Shabazz and Deborah Pulce. His friends since childhood and in Christ: Donald (Sheryl) Walker, Gregory (Darice) Spight, Gail Dorsey and Michael Dorsey, and Devolza Walker, Jr. predeceased him. His friends in Christ: Tom (Sandra) Wilson, Al (Kathy) Harrison, and Dr. James S. Sarter. He had a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, God children, friends, students and mentees. Jerry was a passionate man who always chased after his dreams. He loved the Lord, his family, friends and church. He encouraged all of us to develop a personal relationship with God. He will be missed, remembered and celebrated by all who knew him. HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word What more can He say than to you He hath said To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled Fear not, I am with thee; oh be not dismayed For I am thy God and will still give thee aid I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand When through the deep waters I call thee to go The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose I will not, I will not desert to its foes That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake I’ll never, no never, no never forsake Words by “K” in Rippon’s Hymns (1787). Traditional American melody. Public domain. Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. Honorary Pallbearers Anthony Rankin David Rankin Kevin Rankin William Rankin Gregory Spight Donald Walker, Sr. Honorary Bearers Ryann Rankin Sydney Rankin Ivy Rankin Dawn Rankin Ericka Walker Final Arrangements Entrusted to Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Service 24585 Evergreen Road Southfield, Michigan 48075

Jerry Lamont Rankin

July 6, 1948 - February 14, 2022