Corporal Jerome Lee Wright
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the One who saves me from violence. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies." (II Samuel 22:2–4, NLT)

JEROME LEE WRIGHT was the younger twin brother born to James R. Wright and Manuel Perry Wright. He attended the public schools in Daytona Beach, FL, and graduated in the class of 1984 from Mainland High School. For several months he worked in his father's lawn service, as well as in Furchgott's Department Store, where he earned the distinction as "Salesman of the Month" many times. Feeling the urge to serve his country, he followed his twin brother Alvin and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps earning the rank of Corporal. Following his tour of duty, he relocated to the family farm in Monticello

to pursue other areas of interest.He never met a stranger, for he quickly found common interests and had meaningful conversations on current events, as well as other topics—Ford trucks, heavy equipment, and the stock market. He enjoyed being of service to others. Having a heart of gold, he joyfully helped the elderly and fellow veterans by driving them to their appointments. Because of his positive influence, Jerome, from 1997 – 2015, volunteered as a mentor and chaperone at Howard Middle School (Jefferson County), Madison Primary School, Madison County Central School, and for the Doyle Way-Ayers Area of the YPD for the Florida Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jerome's love for reading and research inspired him to take many courses. He also attended many seminars that piqued his interest in business operation/management, and construction education and research. He advanced his skills and earned several certifications: small business construction/management; FAMU and D.O.T. contractor; and communications/electronics technician, to name a few. In 2007, he and Katrina ventured out to establish a small business, Jerome's Landscaping & Tractor Services, LLC.

Jerome had several hobbies that gave him much enjoyment. He was an avid reader who spent hours reading magazines and books. He also collected them, as well as replicas of 18-wheelers, dump trucks, and unique Hot Wheels. Most of all he loved to travel. Jerome accepted Christ early in life and was a member of Salem A.M.E. Church in Monticello, FL. He demonstrated his love for the Lord by serving Him and giving service joyfully.

In the early morning of Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Jerome gladly answered when the Master called him for his final salute and for him to take his heavenly rest.

Cherishing his legacy of life and love are his mother: Manuel Lee Wright of Monticello, FL; siblings: Alvin J. (Vivian) Wright of Monticello, FL, Sam (Darla) Cooper of St. Petersburg, FL, and Diane Levins of St. Louis, MO; forever soulmate: Katrina A. Aikens of Madison, FL; aunt: Celestine (Albert Jr.) Thomas of Monticello, FL; uncle: Ernest (Mattie) Wright of St. Pertersburg, FL; nephews: Jamal Wright, Alijah Wright, and Jermaine (Sarita) Cooper; niece: Jerchelle (Stefon) Jean'Poix; eleven first cousins: Sharon (Hurbert Jr.) Knight, Arndreal (Frederick) Jackson, William Meeks, Jr., Lemuel (Tiawanna) Meeks, Gayle Arnold, Derrick (Lurodus) Thomas, Warren (Cassandra) Thomas, Edwin (Janine) Thomas, Patricia (Max) Stubbins, Vincent Wright, and Shirlyn (Larry) Thomas; and many other loving but sorrowing relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his father: James R. Wright; brother: Lamont Wright; grandparents: Sam and Jessie Lee Perry; and aunts: Josephine Perry, Nadine Perry, and Gennieve Perry Reshard.