Don Allen Jelks

Mr. Don Allen Jelks began his earthly journey in life on November 6, 1943, in Rock Spring, Alabama, the son of Clarence and Lucy Jelks. While surrounded by his loving family, God whispered to him “come to me.” He gained his eternal wings and entered the kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

Mr. Jelks resided in Saginaw, Michigan since 1964. He attended Saginaw High School and Ruben Daniels Lifelong Learning Center. Don was employed by General Motors. On April 30, 1999, Don married the love of his life, Marion Williams “Shorty”. It was during this time that he received the Lord into his life. Together they shared many years of wedded bliss until her passing.

He loved to fish and enjoyed listening to old-school music. Always the one with a hearty appetite, Don could never resist a homecooked meal, especially his favorite BBQ ribs. Don was a mild-mannered man and a friend to everyone. His laughter and wonderful smile will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory two stepdaughters, Marion Marie (Kevin) Bradley of Toledo, Ohio, and Sharrie Williams Crawford of Saginaw, Michigan; his beloved grandsons, Clinton Berry Bonds III, and Charles Allen; great-grandchildren, Isiah Bonds, Aidan Leach Bonds, Charles Allen, and Jewel Allen; one sister, Katherine Jelks; two nieces, Ruby Garcia and Dora Garcia; one nephew, Jose (Brandi) Garcia; one great-nephew, Leo Garcia; one uncle, Daniel (Lula) Jelks; many cousins including a very close cousin who served as his caregiver, (Robert Lee (LaVona) Davis; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Dan Shivers, Charles Bird, and Big Mike.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence (Lucy) Jelks, his wife, Marion Williams Jelks, grandparents, R.C. (Lottie) Jelks; brother and sister-in-law, Johnnie Mack (Mary) Jelks; stepson, Herbert Allen Williams, stepdaughter, Andrea Jones; and his son-in-love, Norman Crawford.

The family of Don Jelks wishes to express special thanks to the staff of Covenant Healthcare-Harrison, Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, and to everyone who offered a kind word, prayers, and condolences.