Willie James Jelks Sr. passed on February 5th, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, IL.

Willie was born on September 5th, 1951 in Brownsville, TN. He is the son of Mary Lee James (née Dodson) and Willie Roy Jelks who both preceded him in death. After his mother's passing, he was cared for by the James family of Mt. Vernon, IL; but has several family members in the Brownsville, TN area.

Willie is survived by his wife, Georgette Jelks (née Maines) of Centralia, IL. Daughters Tiffany Maines of Los Angeles, CA; Mary Maines of Centralia, IL; Angela Jordan (née Jelks) and husband Shamar of St. Charles, MO; and Marissa Jelks of Centralia, IL. Sons James Maines of Los Angeles, CA; Nathan Maines and Crystal Murphy of Centralia, IL; and Willie Jelks and Dessa Sanders of Centralia, IL.

He loved his grandchildren and took pride in being a grandfather. Grandchildren include Nataya, Samantha, Yvonne, Divine, Yavyair, Aaliyah, Sha'Mary, Marvayus, Aubriana, Myson, Elijah, Aadonus, SirVonté, Aavareus, Jaylynn, & Kira.

He was preceded in death by daughter Yvonne Maines, and granddaughter Jayde Jelks.

He was a graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School where he played baseball and football, and went on to attend Rend Lake College. He was a man of many hobbies including, Darts, Pool, Chess, cooking (especially BBQ) and cheering on his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Willie Jelks, Sr. with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Bishop Robert Jones officiating. A visitation time to offer condolences to the family will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service on Saturday at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Willie's honor to the Family's Wishes. Online condolences and memories of Willie may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.