Pastor Jerry Gaines Jerkins
Teacher, Leader, Servant
Born on September 21, 1932, in Loxley, Alabama, to the late George and Cora Lee Jerkins, Pastor Jerry Gaines Jerkins grew up in Pensacola, Florida, where he pursued his education at Booker T. Washington High School, Washington Jr. College, and Washington Vocational School. His theological foundation was further strengthened through studies at Moody Bible Institute and Philadelphia College of the Bible. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, and was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Evangelism from the North Tennessee Bible Institute.
At the age of twelve, Pastor Jerkins embraced his faith in Jesus Christ and joined his family at Antioch Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. His passion for service became evident early, as he took on leadership roles including Choir Director, Baptist Training Union Group Leader, Sunday School Secretary, and Youth Group Leader. His dedication extended beyond his church, serving in various capacities within the Pensacola District Association and the Florida Baptist State Convention.
In 1962, while serving in the United States Army, Pastor Jerkins answered his call to ministry at Ebenezer Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. His leadership in chapel programs, recognized by an Army Chaplain, led to his ordination in 1964 by Pastor Nathaniel Smith. Upon his arrival at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, he was called to serve Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Dotsonville, Tennessee. Though still on active military duty, he soon realized his divine calling to full-time ministry. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1967 and later that year installed as pastor of Saint John Baptist Church.
Pastor Jerkins’ lifelong dedication to progressive ministry and civic engagement shaped his work and influence. His leadership was pivotal in addressing social, economic, and religious concerns within his community. He served in numerous capacities, including President/Secretary-Treasurer of the Clarksville Ministerial Alliance, President of the Tennessee Baptist State Convention for 17 years, and President of the NAACP Clarksville, Tennessee Branch for 12 years. His involvement extended to various NAACP committees, the National Baptist Convention Chaplains Commission, and as Associate Dean of the National Baptist Convention Congress. Additionally, he held leadership positions in education and community organizations, serving as PTA President for Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, a member of the Vanderbilt Black Study Committee, the Tennessee Church Day on Capitol Hill Board, and County-City Jail Chaplain.
Through his visionary leadership, Pastor Jerkins founded the Progressive Citizens Advocates, spearheading efforts to rename two major streets in Clarksville, Tennessee, in honor of sports legend Wilma Rudolph and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As Tennessee’s Title VI Commissioner, he ensured equitable distribution of federal allocations across municipalities. He also championed initiatives addressing concerns related to HIV, AIDS, and environmental contamination—efforts that gained national recognition from CNN, Essence Magazine, The Tennessee Banner, and The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
His outstanding service earned him numerous accolades, including Colonel Aid de’ Camp (Governor Winfield Dunn), Outstanding Service to Tennessee (Governor Ray Blanton), Tennessee Chaplain of the Day, United Way Outstanding Citizen of the Year, and the Army Chaplain Corps Outstanding Service Award (Germany).
Over his 40-year tenure, Pastor Jerkins led Saint John Baptist Church to remarkable growth, establishing it as a pillar of faith and community service. His leadership facilitated the acquisition of 11 acres of land, resulting in the construction of a $1.2 million facility in a prime city location. His vision solidified the church as a beacon of hope and light in 21st-century ministry.
Pastor Jerkins’ enduring legacy is carried forward by his beloved wife, First Lady Naomi Donald Jerkins, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage; his sons, Jeffery and Jerald Marc Anthony; his identical twin daughters, Jennifer and Jacqueline; his eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Recognized by The Leaf Chronicle as one of Clarksville’s most influential citizens of the millennium, Pastor Jerkins’ life embodied unwavering dedication to faith and service. His legacy stands as a testament to his commitment to the Kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ—reflected in his roles as pastor, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, supporter, and advocate.