Jeffery Alan Sermons, Sr.

Jeffery Alan Sermons Sr. was born on October 27, 1959 in Valdosta, GA to the late Samuel Sermons Sr. and Vender Mae Baker Sermons. Jeff joined St Peter AME Church at an early age. He served in several capacities: Youth choir and usher board.

He was educated in the Valdosta City School System where he graduated from Valdosta High School in 1977. He furthered his education by attending and graduating from Tuskegee University in 1982. While attending Tuskegee University, he served as the captain of the basketball team, his junior year. The TU Golden Tigers won the following championships: SIAC Tournament Champs (1979) and SIAC Region Champions {1980).

After completion of his business degree at TU, he was employed by Converse Sporting Store where he was an assistant manager. He was later promoted to manager at a store in Orlando, Florida for several years. He then, relocated back to Valdosta and continued his retail management skills at Target until he retired. Upon retirement, he became restless and decided to use his leadership skills by working part­ time for the Valdosta City School Systems.

He was preceded in death by parents, Vender Sermons and Samuel Sermons, Sr.; grandmother, Amie Lee Harrell Baker; granddaddy, Herbert Baker; uncles: Deleon"Bodie" Baker, Jackson Lee"Joe" Baker, Henry "Slim" Baker, Frank Wright; and aunts: Lorraine Mack and Barbara Baker.

Jeff leaves behind to cherish his memories, his lovely and devoted wife, Tracie Everett Sermons joined in holy matrimony for 29 years; two children; Gabrielle Sermons and Jeffery Sermons Jr. both of Valdosta, Georgia; one beautiful granddaughter, Nyra; mother in-law, Patricia Strong Putnam; three special sister in-laws: Toni Kinsey (Mose) of Moultrie, GA., Katrina Royal of Valdosta, GA., and Tiffany Putnam of Houston, TX.; four brothers; Roger Rome(Susanne) of Thomasville, GA., Stan Rome(Laverne), Antwan Sermons(Katrina) both of Valdosta, GA., Bruce Sermons of Minnesota, MN., Rennie Tarver (Chantay) of Orlando, FL.; one sister, Wanda Sermons of South Carolina; two uncles: Harold Baker(Pat) of Valdosta, GA and Thomas Sermons (Joyce) of Rochester, NY; three aunts: Rubye Baker, Sarah Baker and Wilmatean Baker; four god sisters; Sarah Sue Solomon (Horace), Beverly Ann Madison, Janice Young (Clifton) of Valdosta, GA., Cheryl Bolden of Cordele, GA.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. Jeffery Alan Sermons, Sr. will be Friday, March 30, 2018, 2:00 p.m., from the sanctuary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, located 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta, GA. Dr. William C. Morgan is pastor and Bishop Horace Solomon, Jr., will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Public viewing will be Thursday, March 29, 2018, noon to 8:00 p.m., at Godfrey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a monetary donation may be made to The Greater United Way of Valdosta, 210 W. Park St., Valdosta, GA 31602, in memory of Mr. Jeffery A. Sermons, Sr.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net. Personal and professional services are provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC .

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. Jeffery Alan Sermons, Sr., will be Friday, March 30, 2018, 2:00 p.m., from the sanctuary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, located 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta.

Dr. William C. Morgan is pastor and Bishop Horace Solomon, Jr. will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a monetary contribution to the Greater Valdosta United Way, 210 W Park Ave, Valdosta, GA, 31602,  in memory of Mr. Jeffery Alan Sermons, Sr.

Public viewing will be Thursday, March 29th, noon to 8:00 p.m., at Godfrey Funeral Home.  Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.