JERRY LOCKETT

Dr. Jerry L. Lockett, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 24, 1961 to Mary Ella and Jerry Lockett, Sr. who preceded him in death. He was the second of three siblings: David and Ann (preceded him in death). He grew up in the inner-city of Chicago where he began his education in the Chicago Public School system. Attending school was not an easy task for him because of constant gang recruitment efforts by gang members for him to join. He often hid until after class and ran home to avoid capture. Once Jerry’s parents learned of his plight; they took action. Although they could not afford the tuition; his parents enrolled him in St. Agatha a parochial elementary school offsetting the cost of tuition through mom’s volunteer cleaning and cooking service for the entire parish, homes and school buildings. Jerry would often go with his mother to help clean homes after school or prepare meals. After elementary school; he went on to Holy Name Cathedral High School. To cover tuition, his mother continued the sacrifice of cooking and cleaning. He furthered his education to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Youngstown State University after 16 years of part-time study while working full-time and raising a family.

He was passionate about helping others recognizing that he had the gift of helps and a heart for people. You could always find him tutoring and mentoring youth at the Merrilac Social Center urging them to stay away from gangs and drugs. During this time; he realized he had a knack for helping people navigate through the stressors of life and he decided to pursue his Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Capella University. He didn’t stop there. While completing his doctoral studies at Capella University; Jerry strengthened his Christian Counseling skills and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Christian Counseling from Kings Cross Victory Bible College for his many years of work in ministerial service.

On December 5, 1982; he met and married the love of his life Carolyn. It was a sunny winter day in Chicago, Illinois at the St. James Church of God in Christ where Bishop W.J. Campbell presided. He once told Carolyn that he had seen her for years at church and fell in love with her when he was only 8 years old but never got up the courage to tell her until 11 years later at age 19 when he asked her out on a date. Jerry and Carolyn have two children; Crystal and Jerry, III who both accepted salvation at early ages and began helping their friends and neighbors much like their dad. Crystal and Jerry often could be seen working alongside their parents in various ministry and community outreach activities.

His first job was working as a grocery store stock clerk for Buddy Bear in Chicago. Most of his earnings voluntarily went to his mother to help keep the family financially fit in light of his costly educational pursuits at the parochial school.

A multi-dimensional person; Jerry loved swimming, golfing, playing Scrabble, billiards, chess and vacationing with his wife and children. He often watched his mother make dinner and helped as needed. He too loved to cook and began a career in the food service industry as a cook for KFC.

That love for cooking and people skills launched him into managerial roles and eventually landed him as head chef for the Levy Organization at Benchers Restaurant on top of the Sears Tower. Although he loved cooking; he knew he had a greater purpose. As his love for cooking grew so too did his love for God. He accepted the call of minister at age 19 at his church Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C. under the training of the Late Bishop Jerome Scott who taught him how to carry himself not just as a man; but as a man of faith.

Dr. Lockett, was multi-talented and meticulous. He paid close attention to detail and embraced excellence. His philosophy was “To whom much is given; much is required”. Looking for a way to grow his talents and reach out to others; in the 1980’s Jerry stepped out in entrepreneurial mode. He along with his wife founded JC’s Country Cookin’ a food delivery service, much like today’s Uber Eats and DoorDash. He cooked and delivered food to local businesses, salons and barber shops every Saturday. The business grew so quickly; the children and some of his mentees were enlisted to help with deliveries.

The journey took him to Ohio where he and the family moved in 1993. There Dr. Lockett made an impact in the community and surrounding counties. He and the family joined St. James church in Warren, Ohio under Pastor Melvin Howard. Dr. Lockett used his hospitality know-how to help with banquets and other events at the church. He served both natural and spiritual food while in his role of minister. Three years later he was called to New Jerusalem Fellowship Church (Pastor Alton Merrel) to serve as Youth Pastor. There, he mentored youth and facilitated many of their college success and social prowess. Many have often come back to thank Dr. Lockett for the love he showed while working with young people and helping to shape their lives.

In 1999 he recognized that he still had more work to do so he began Joy & Praise Ministries where within less than 7 years Dr. Lockett had planted five ministries; with pastoral teams on five campuses including Akron, Columbus, Chicago, Youngstown, and Memphis. Each week he and a nuclear team would travel to the satellite campuses to support and grow the ministry.

He was obedient to God and often said “When God tells you to do something; sometimes it looks crazy to other people, but you have to know his voice and follow no matter what it looks like”
He walked out on water and moved to Plano, TX where he began Bright Futures Family Counseling Center in December, 2011. God expanded the vision and the second location was opened in 2017 in Allen, TX with a Fort Worth, TX Campus soon to follow. Dr. Lockett was sought out by those who wanted Christian Counseling services. He never stopped ministering and could be heard praying with clients for restoration and healing right in the office at their request. As expected; God answered the prayers every time. Testimonials continue to come in where patients have been helped by the work of this man as he followed the leading of God in every capacity. He adored his best friend and wife Carolyn and they were a team in all of their life endeavors. #JoinedAtTheHip, #FinishedEachOthersSentences, #BonnieAndClyde,  #BestFriends and #TilDeathDoUsPart

Early in the morning on July 12 in Baylor McKinney Emergency Room; God told Dr. Lockett it was time to rest and HE picked him up in his arms to rest from his labor and receive his reward. Today we celebrate his life knowing that his work is finished and he is in Heaven with our Lord.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years Carolyn, two children, Crystal Joy (Preston) and Jerry, III, three brothers, Joe Skipper of Texas (preceded in death), Sam Lockett of Iowa, and David Lockett, Sr. of Chicago (Clydell), two sisters Bernice Jones (preceded in death) and Mary Ann Lockett (preceded in death), two granddaughters, Gabrielle Lockett and Alayna Lockett, Bright Futures Counselling Family, a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues, patients and friends.

Dr. Lockett, you will never be forgotten!
St. John 9:4: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.