FRANKLIN — Jerome “Jerry” Alfred Randolph Bernard Sr. died on Feb. 2, 2018.

He was born on April 11, 1935, in Guyana, South America. Jerry lived in Guyana until he married Jean Alexis Mentis and moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he became a United States citizen.

Jerry retired from St. Elizabeth Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey as a maintenance worker.

Not only did Jerry live in New Jersey, he also lived in Yokosuka, Japan with his son before moving to Franklin in 2005.

He was indeed a family man and opened his home and heart to many family members and friends. He enjoyed talking politics, reflecting on life and participating in family gatherings, especially birthday celebrations.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Alexis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son, Jerome Bernard Jr. (Tawanna) of Franklin, Virginia; his step-sons, John Thompson (Brenda) of Newark; Colin Thompson (Meagan) of Bronx, New York; Melvyn Thompson (Arlene) of Orlando, Florida; and Terrance Thompson of Lithonia, Georgia; his grandchildren, his “heartbeat” Alexis, his “namesake” Jerome III, Zipporah, Alicia, Andre, Nicola, Tamrin, Oneka, Estrelita, Melvyn Jr. and Julien. He also came to love Tawanna’s family as his own.

The memorial service was on Friday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m., in the chapel of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 S. Main St.

Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.