Jerry Fay Jolley

ROCKY MOUNT - Jerry Fay Jolley, age 75, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016 following a lengthy illness. Born in Cliffside, NC on October 18, 1940, he was the son of the late Fay and Emma Sue Horton Jolley. He was also preceded in death by his son, Mark Jolley; and his brother, Leonard Jolley. Jerry attended Gardner Webb College, Furman University, and Mars Hill College. He received his Master of Music degree from the New Orleans Theological Seminary in 1966. He was ordained by the Race Path Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC, his home church and the fellowship where his love of music and music making began. During his ministry which spanned more than five decades, Jerry served as Music Minister at First Baptist Church, Elberton, GA; First Baptist Church, Greenville, SC; Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church, Greenville, NC; and Lakeside Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC from which he retired after 21 years in 2010. In addition, he served as a Resident Chaplain at Greenville (NC) Memorial Hospital (1988) and as an Adjunct Chaplain for many years at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount. As Music Minister, Jerry directed choirs of all ages, childrens and youth musicals, and performances of many classical oratorios, Messiah (Handel) and The Seven Last Words of Christ (Dubois) among his favorites. He appreciated sacred music and prepared his singers week by week to give their best effort in leading worship. Jerry was well known as a bass soloist and shared his talents with numerous congregations and concert halls through the years. He especially enjoyed singing the title part in Mendelssohns Elijah. Enjoying the range of his talent, for many years Jerry combined his rich bass voice with the instrumental talent of his friend Steve Creech, singing popular music from stage and screen. Jerrys passion of faith was expressed in music. Through his ministry, he inspired that same passion in his choirs and congregations, helping others find a voice for all of the seasons of faith. Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Charlotte Miller Jolley; his sons, Jon Jolley, Dave Jolley, and Mike Jolley and wife, Michelle; his step-daughter, Amelia Kirkland and husband, Patrick; his granddaughters, Erin and Caroline; and step-grandchildren, Rachel and Caden. A Service of Worship celebrating Jerrys life will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Visitation will follow service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kinchloe Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Lakeside Baptist Church Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building 1501 Sunset Avemue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Saturday 7/30, 12:00 pm Service Lakeside Baptist Church 1501 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-0126 --> | Saturday 7/30, 11:00 am