Jerry Jerome Winston

Jerry Jerome Winston was born July 24, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mother Willie Mae and Tommie Winston, Sr., who both preceded him in death. The soulful melodic line within a musical masterpieceJerry was the eighth child of ten children; five of his brothers, Tommie Winston, Joseph Winston, Earl Winston, Bobby Winston, and Leonard Winston, and two of his sisters, Dorothy Winston, and Annette Winston, preceded him in death. At an early age under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey D. Hodges at King of Glory Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. of Chicago, Illinois, Jerry accepted Christ and was baptized and began his walk of faith. Later, Jerry moved his membership to New St. Matthew M. B. Church of Chicago, Illinois, building a reputation for being a walking Bible - as he was a phenomenal Sunday School teacher and musician, under the leadership of Episcopal Vicar- Designate Daniel X. Smith. Jerry understood the Foundation Scripture found in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” During his development, Jerry became to many a theologian. Jerry completed his early childhood education at Roosevelt Elementary School and then attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he would come to find his first love: music. The romance he created with his saxophone afforded the Chicagoland native the opportunity to write the soundtrack of his life as he traveled the world, performing with well-known artists like Bernie Mac, Prince, and Gerald Levert. Jerry also recorded his own music entitled Soulfully Me in 2001 and released a cover of Amazing Grace in 2016. His name falls amongst the credits as an accomplished saxophonist as well as a saxophone instructor to numerous musicians throughout the world today. Like music notes among the staff, Jerry’s experiences also included three years of service in the United States Army (1981-1984) with an Honorable Discharge and employment with the United States Postal Service. In 1988, Jerry found the true melody of his life when he began dating Shurray L. Davis. The two decided to play their love song on repeat and married on November 25, 2006. To this union, two beautiful daughters were born, Jer’Mia and Je’Ria Winston. Shurray was truly Jerry’s perfect accompaniment, supporting him through a battle with kidney disease that included 17 years of dialysis. Jerry was honored by The iChoose Foundation in 2018, when he was chosen as the recipient of the annual Mercenary Award. The rhythm of this tune changed when the manifestation of Jerry’s prayers were answered on July 17, 2020, when he traveled to Iowa along with his family to receive his kidney transplant. Oh, what a joyous day it was to receive the blessing he waited many years to receive. On Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood, Illinois, surrounded by his wife, children, and close family, Jerry played his final serenade. A sultry sound that will forever resonate in our hearts. Jerry leaves to carry the melody of his memory: his loving wife, Shurray; six children, Timotheus Winston, Jeremiah Winston, Jeremy Winston, Jen’Tral McWille, Jer’Mia Winston, and Je’Ria Winston; seven grandchildren, Jya Winston, Juel Winston, Jalil Winston, D’Vyne Burrell, Desi’Ani Burrell, De’Leiah Burrell, and Anastasia McWille; three godchildren, Jonathon Funches, Katelin Harding, and Kadin Harding; two special nephews, Andrew Winston and Keshon Robinson; one brother, Donell Winston; one sister, Miriam Winston; six sisters and brothers-in love, Demeteria Stokes, Sedrick Robinson, Rhonda James, Roshune Pechacek (John), James Davis (Crystal), and Carolyn Winston; a mother and father-inlove, Joyce Davis-Robinson (Fred) and James Davis (Patricia); two aunts, Percy Lee Burse and Alberta Womack; a special grandmother, Addie Joyce Robinson; and a company of other loved ones, friends, students, and musical connections.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Jerome Winston, please visit our floral store.