Jerome Curry

Jerome Chamberlin Curry Sr., 80, of North Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Jerome had a few notable nicknames, and depending on your connection to him, you may have affectionately called him “Jerry,” “JC,” “Mr. C,” “Dedda,” or “Papa.” No matter what you called him, you could always count on him to give you a good laugh, become engulfed by his loving personality and amazing smile.

Jerome was born on July 2, 1942, in Evanston, IL, to the late Marie Curry and William J. Curry. In his early years, he lived in Winter Haven, FL, ultimately traveling north with his mother, settling in Lake County, IL. He graduated from North Chicago High School. In 1974, Jerome married the love of his life, Mary "Doll" Johnson. Together, they raised a beautiful family of seven children.

Jerome retired from the V.A. Hospital and City of North Chicago, where many called him by the nickname, "Mr. C". He was a loyal and loving friend, father, and grandfather. He doted on his family and was happiest when he could sit on his porch, legs crossed, wearing his famous fedora hat, soaking up a daily dose of vitamin D, and throwing a wave to each person traveling down Grove Avenue. His favorite pastimes were fishing and football. A loyal Greenbay Packers fan, he often stirred the pot amongst his children who were Chicago Bears fans.  At the height of his fishing pastime, he once caught a four-foot catfish that he proudly hung above his fireplace in the basement and bragged about for many years. While he never caught a fish that size again, that did not stop him from taking his boat across the lakes in Wisconsin to try his hand at it for many years.

Jerome was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and people, and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love and developing a close relationship with Jehovah God. He studied the Bible with a variety of people over the years, who helped him to appreciate and learn more about Jehovah. Jerome enjoyed talking about the Bible and never missed the Memorial of Jesus' death.

Jerome's faith never wavered and carried him through his many health challenges until his final breath. Of all the people he touched, his most proud achievement in life was marrying his wife, "Doll", who supported him in all of his glory during his heyday, and lovingly supported him physically during their last days together. In one of their final conversations, he lovingly shared, "I look forward to seeing you again soon, Doll. Jehovah says I'm only going to sleep." Knowing this wonderful hope, he didn't fear death. 

Jerome leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Mary Curry; three sons, Carl Johnson (Waukegan, IL), Gregory (Kim) Johnson (Zion, IL), Jerome Curry Jr. (Waukegan, IL); four daughters, Schrone (Elliott) Hanna (Waukegan, IL), Josette (Kenny) Jones (Waukegan, IL), Aprol Curry (North Chicago, IL), and Paris (Adano) Curry Wilder (Mableton, GA). Jerome was affectionately known as "Papa" to his twenty-one grandchildren, whom he loved deeply. He was a cherished uncle to a host of nieces and nephews and enjoyed a very special relationship with his nephew Robert Falson, Jr.

Jerome is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Curry, father, William J. Curry, sister, Mary Randolph, and grandson, Justin Russell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Mundelein, Waukegan Harbor, and Dr. Patel, who took great care of him for many years.

Celebration of life services will be held at Encore Events at Midlane Country Club, 4555 W Yorkhouse Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083.  Visitation and funeral will be in the Crystal room at 11:00 a.m. The repast will be in the Willow Ballroom at 1:00 p.m. The services will be live-streamed via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84705431283).

Private burial services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023.