Jerry Bernard Patrick

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Jerry Bernard Patrick was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 8, 1947 to Bishop Lawrence Clarence Patrick, Sr. and Ada Deborah Glenn Patrick. The sixth-born of seven children, Jerry was raised in a home filled with love and laughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Patricia Ann McIntosh, Helen Christine Smith, and Lynette Bond, and brother Lawrence C. Patrick, Jr., Esq.

Jerry attended Detroit Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Northern High School, where he played varsity basketball. He furthered his education at Saints Junior College in Lexington, Mississippi and later earned a Bachelor of Arts at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jerry went on to earn his teaching certificate, following which he joined the Detroit Public Schools teaching faculty at his alma mater and at Cass Technical High School. Jerry’s pursuit of higher education continued as a candidate in the Master of Education program at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Fueled by his love of books, Jerry started his own business, Perfect Printing Company, and became a book seller specializing in multicultural children’s books. Jerry was blessed with the gift of gab and was a very effective and engaging salesman. He developed an innovative marketing approach, hosting book fairs and engaging in direct sales with school districts throughout the State of Michigan. In his later years, he was known as the “Book Man” and was a regular fixture at Detroit’s Eastern Market, where he shared his youth-focused mission with the world. He lived by his motto: “Readers become leaders and knowledge is power”.

Jerry’s service to young people was matched only by his devotion to his family. He loved to cook food and barbeque for his family. Jerry always remembered family members’ birthdays with cards and gifts and was ever-present at family members’ graduations and other milestone events.

Jerry accepted Christ at an early age, supported by the legacy of his father, who served as Superintendent of Sunday Schools for the Church of God in Christ. His faith in Christ was fortified at St. Paul Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Willie L. Harris. Jerry also regularly attended Perfecting Church, under Bishop Marvin L. Winans, in Detroit, Michigan,

On July 3, 2022, Jerry was called from labor to reward in eternal life with Jesus Christ. He will be remembered for his million-watt smile and love of all things style and flair – he was well known for his elegant suits, snakeskin shoes, and hats, which normally boasted a perfectly-placed feather.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted sister Deborah J. Patrick-Blodger, faithful brother Harry Patrick (Lovelis), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including life-long friend Fran Westbrook.