Mr. Vernon Dean Jelks was born on September 12, 1956 to Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Alberta Jelks. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Recco Jelks and two sisters, Beverly Graham and Patricia Hogan. Vernon attended East St. Louis School District #189.
Vernon gave his life to Christ early in life and was a member of Cemtreville Church of Christ. Vernon was the second born of 12 siblings and he became the caregiver of the youngest. He cooked, cleaned, combed the girl's hair and got them off to school.
In 1985, Vernon married Dorothy Anderson of Springfield, Illinois. To this union was born their daughter, Ashley Monika Jelks-Fragier.
Vernon loved his family and would always talk about what is going on in the world. Throughout his life, Vernon always knew how to keep everyone smiling and laughing with a funny joke and retelling the family history. Vernon was considered the "Family Historian" by reminding everyone of the richness and uniqueness of the Jelks name. He will be truly missed by all of us.

Vernon Jelks passed away on September 3, 2017 in Belleville, Illinois. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Ashley Jelks Fragier of Colorado Springs, CO; stepson, Devon Anderson; stepdaughter, Dacia Anderson; brothers, Albert Jelks, Jr., Johnnie (Liz) Jelks, George Jelks, Larry (Shelia) Jelks and Charles Jelks; sisters, Claria Johnson, Tayna Jelks, Tammy Jelks and Theresa (Arron) Fridge; uncles, Jesse, John, Lewis, Van and Venice; all of the metro-east area; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.