Jerry Scates (Lansing)

Mr. Jerry Scates peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at his residence in Lansing, Michigan after a brief struggle with cancer. Age 71 years.

Jerry was born on November 29, 1949, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to the late Johnny Hunter and Margie Ree Allen. Jerry was one of seventeen children.

Jerry spent his adolescent years in Tiptonville until the family moved to Michigan. He would tell you stories of his young life in Tiptonville where he enjoyed riding horses (Stella and Della) on his grandparents’ farm. Jerry graduated from Charles F. Kettering High School; he continued his education at Wayne State Community College. Jerry later married Deborah Beck. Jerry work for Ford Motor Company and later worked with Johns Moving Company. Jerry could be the party all by himself. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially his granddaughter Breanna who he affectionately called “Grand Youngin.” He loved to listen to Blues and Gospel music, he enjoyed TV sermons and old TV shows. His interests included playing the harmonica, horseshoes, dominos and of course talking smack. Jerry spent most of his adult life in Detroit, being cared for by his daughter Felicia, in recent years Jerry moved to Lansing to be cared for by his son Orlando Olive, until his passing.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Felicia Scates; son, Orlando Olive; granddaughters, Breanna Dennis and MaKalia (KK); grandson, Joshua Allen; siblings, James (Lawanda) Scates, Linda (Fred), Scott Judy (Roy) Wade, Dennis Scates, Darrell Allen, Valerree Allen, Wanda (Charles) Richardson, Michelle Allen, Kenneth Allen, Ivan Allen, Clarice Jackson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Deborah (Beck) Scates; children, Antoinette, and Jerry Jr. “Little Jerry”; siblings, Barbara, Joe Willie and Clarence Scates, Ricky, and Phyllis Allen.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the home of his daughter Felicia Dennis in Detroit, Michigan on July 3, 2021.

A special thanks to our family and friends for their donations and support during this difficult time.

Daddy I didn’t get to say goodbye to you, but this is what I want you to know and knowing you your response would be I already know these things baby. This the reason I would keep you on the phone for no less than an hour even when you were in the hospital or rehab or even at home. As long I could hear your voice, a grumble or just hear you breathe it made my heart happy just to still have you here with me. Da you taught me a lot you were my Father first, my friend, my Buddy Roe and Ralph oh let’s not forget Smedley. Just last summer over the phone you helped me to assembly my new lawn mower. I said this is crazy it won’t go this way or that way. You said stop fighting against the process and you smooth talk me through it with nothing but patience. You prayed for me during my battles with cancer I laid in my bed and you were laying beneath me in the basement listening and praying. You promised you would live to be 100 however God called you home and you are no longer suffering. I know we will make it through this I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I Love you Da

My Grandfather
While he’s no longer here to say that he’s proud of me, I carry this strength in my heart. The kindest Compliment I hope to hear someday is “your Grandfather would be proud”
Love your Grand Youngin
Breanna



The Chain
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you; you did not go alone.
For a part of us went with you the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your live is still our guide.
And though we cannot see your, you are always at our side.