Jerry Lee McKelvy Sr.

On March 15th, 1954, Jerry Lee McKelvy was born to the Union of Cleven and Cleo McKelvy.
Jerry began his education in the Kansas City, MO, School District at the former Booker T. Washington Elementary School and graduated from Southeast High School. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years where he received the National Defense Service Medal for his skill as a sharpshooter. After leaving the service, he worked for the Missouri State Highway Department, then went to work at General Motors where he retired in May 2016 after 34 years. He was certified in electrical heating and cooling.

In 1972, he met the love of his life Sheila Williams. They married in 1977 and remained married for 47 years until he passed. To this union was born Jerry Mckelvy II, Tina Sheliece, and Valeese Paige. Jerry also has two grandchildren Cainan and Taylor and one great granddaughter Envy Rose.
Jerry was a true definition of how a man should take care of his family. The love that he expressed to his family will never be replaced. He had the warmest smile, comforting laugh and had a way of making you feel pro-tected. Addition to his kids there are so many nieces and nephews that thought of him as father figure. His home was always open to anyone that needed a place to stay. It is difficult to explain the closeness of Jerry’s re-lationships and friendships. Most of his friendships lasted a lifetime. He remained friends with the children he grew up with on 23rd and Montgall and the families from the neighborhood – The Meade’s, the Reeses’s, and the Norths. Jerry loved his family and friends.

He belonged to a social organization called “The Group” for over 40 years. In addition to hosting frequent parties, the group served the community by providing food giveaways and baskets to those in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Jerry's life was so full. His hobbies were bowling, picnicking, throwing darts, playing tonk and fishing. He also thought he and his best friend Ronnie were the best at playing bid whist. In reality, He was one of the best at cooking barbeque, frying fish and made some of the best candy bread ever. His house was always filled with family, friends and love. There was hardly a time when there was not a family or friend in his home, even during his illness.

Jerry departed his life February 27th, 2024 surrounded by family. Jerry was preceded into eternity by his daughter, Tina Shelice; parents; five brothers - Charles Edward, Raymond, Harry C., Billy Ray, and Ray Charles; three sisters - Ruby Jewel, Etta Faye Dean, and Ruthell Pitrie.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Sheila McKelvy; son, Jerry; daughter, Paige (Sean); three sisters, Joyce (Scott) Harris, Linda (Albert) Jordan, and Shirley Austin; two grandchildren, Cainan and Taylor; great granddaughter, Envy Rose. A sister-in-law who he loved as his own, Jan Williams; Two other sister in laws, Cynthia and Earlene McKelvy; a special nephew, Sammie Clark (Book) who was always by his side; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 9, 2024, visitation will be from 9 A.M. - 11 A.M.  with services beginning at 11 A.M. Services will be held at Evangelist Temple House of Refuge Church of God In Christ located at 2315 Benton Blvd., Kansas City, Mo 64127.

Internment: Forest Hill Cemetery