Elder Jerome Gilbert Carey
July 13, 1941 – April 22, 2025

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." – Matthew 25:21

Elder Jerome Gilbert Carey—faithful servant, gifted singer, dedicated husband, and anointed preacher—answered the Master's call and peacefully entered his eternal rest on April 22, 2025.

Born on July 13, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, Jerome was the fourth of ten children and the first son born to Louise and Lawrence Carey. From an early age, Jerome bore the mantle of leadership in the Carey household with grace and humility. He learned the ways of responsibility early, becoming a teacher and helper to his younger siblings. The weight of being "the first boy" never kept him from carrying the spirit of joy and love that filled the Carey home.

As a student in Denver Public Schools, Jerome's gifts became evident, especially during his years at Manual High School. The streets of Denver echoed with doo-wop harmonies, and Jerome's tenor voice stood out among them. Though his beloved mother, Mother Carey, maintained a house consecrated to the Lord, Jerome found ways to sing with his friends—including Dupree and others—in what became a well-known local group. But when the music reached home, so did correction, and with it came one of Mother Carey's enduring declarations: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Those words would echo in Jerome's spirit for the rest of his life.

Jerome's true calling began to stir deep within him, and one Sunday service at Holy Cross COGIC, under the leadership of Bishop W.B. Odom, Jerome surrendered to the tug of the Holy Spirit. He was saved and soon after received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, setting his feet firmly on the path of holiness and truth. From that moment, Jerome never looked back.

He immersed himself in the study of God's Word and was known for his deep understanding of scripture and sound doctrine. Church became his joy, his refuge, and his life's work. He was closely mentored by Bishop Odom, who nurtured him as a spiritual son. Jerome served in many capacities—including as choir director at Odom Temple—where his leadership and anointing blessed countless lives.

His hunger for righteousness and knowledge led him to C.H. Mason Bible College, where he studied theology alongside his mother. It was there, in a divine appointment, that he met the love of his life, Shirley Jean Tye, the college secretary who would become his wife. They were united in holy matrimony on October 11, 1975, at Odom Temple and shared a sacred covenant for nearly 50 years.

Jerome embraced fatherhood with open arms, raising Shirley's three children—Adriana, Paul, and Eric—with unwavering love and guidance. Their family home on Oneida Street became a warm haven filled with music, prayer, and the occasional bark from their beloved dog Fuzz. Jerome was a provider and protector, retiring from RTD after years of dedicated service as a driver—he could tell you how to get anywhere in the city, with both precision and pride.

Outside of the pulpit, Jerome's voice continued to ring out in song with his brothers as part of The Carey Brothers and The Carey Family. His unforgettable duet with his niece Davita, Accept What God Allows, remains a cherished memory for many who witnessed the Spirit move through their harmonies.

Above all, Elder Jerome Carey was a man of holiness, conviction, and compassion. Until his final breath, his heart remained tender toward the love of his life. Even in his last days, he could be heard asking, "How is Shirley doing?"—a reflection of the devotion that defined their union.

Elder Carey now joins the great cloud of witnesses—his parents, Lawrence and Louise Carey; his sisters Virginia Carey, Joyce Woody (Eddie); his brother Jerald Carey; and two grandsons, Christopher and Micah Tye—who all preceded him in glory.

He leaves behind a powerful legacy through his beloved wife, Mother Shirley Carey; stepdaughter Adriana Tye; stepsons Paul and Eric Tye; sisters Janice Ivery, Joan Jones, and Julie Anne Carey; brothers Johnathan, Julius, and Julian (Jessie) Carey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends who will forever cherish his memory and example.

A man of unwavering faith, Elder Jerome G. Carey walked upright before the Lord, preaching holiness, living in obedience, and singing the songs of Zion with all his heart. His life was a testimony of God's sustaining grace.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We honor and celebrate the life of a good and faithful servant—now resting in the arms of Jesus.