THE OBITUARY
“A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE”
Revised 9/27/26
With profound love and cherished memories, we celebrate the remarkable life of Pastor Jerome Gaither Farris. Jerome was a husband, father, leader, mentor and friend whose heart was towards helping people to know God, to discover their God-given potential and to make a difference
Jerome was born on January 3, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan to Cecil and Levolia Farris. He was the third of four children.
Jerome was introduced to Jesus Christ at the age of 5 and accepted him as savior during one of his many trips south visiting his grandparents. He was educated in the Ferndale School District. His dedication and commitment as a student athlete, was carried over as an adult to mentoring and coaching youth PAL football. This highlighted a sense of giving back and fostering growth in others.
In 1974, Jerome met, fell in love with, and years later married his childhood sweetheart Clearmont “Helene” Reid. It was from this union, their youngest son, Dion Allen preceded him in death. Through this union, a destiny of Christian commitment, dedication and service began.
Jerome possessed a strong work ethic. He loved his family and did whatever was necessary to provide. As a young man he attended Control Data Institute, received training to become a computer programmer, and then would pull a double shift working at McDonald’s. Over the years he worked various jobs namely; a window washer (his first job at the age of 8), a shoe repairman at his father’s business in downtown Detroit (where he was honored on occasions to shine the shoes of Mayor Coleman Young who would routinely stop by), a road construction worker, a tour guide, grocery clerk, welding machine operator, Technical Support Specialist and an IT Programmer Analyst.
Jerome became a youth leader and deacon of the Greater Middle Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.H. Johnson Jr. He served faithfully teaching Sunday School, visiting the sick, administering communion to seniors, weekly delivering food to a food pantry, and providing a weekly bible study for those in recovery. In 1987, he accepted the calling and was licensed to preach the gospel. In 1990 with the blessing and support of his church he was ordained to pastor and organized True Faith Baptist Church which worshipped at the Open-Door Rescue Mission in Detroit, Michigan.
In 1994, he became the Executive Director of the Open-Door Rescue Mission and Pastor of the Open-Door Gospel Tabernacle. Jerome loved people. His assignment as a missionary was one of compassion and unconditional love to “the least of these”, making a huge impact on countless lives for over 23 years. Jerome was recognized and received numerous awards from both the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit for his exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership and dedication to improving the quality of life for others.
As a shepherd of God’s people, he had a servant’s heart and was faithful. His ministry was all inclusive of not just preparation for Sunday worship, counseling, visitations, teaching mid-week services or consoling grieving families, but also working with community block organizations, driving the church bus, serving meals. and even climbing the roof of the church to repair a leak (he did not mind rolling up his sleeves and getting dirty).
He received his formal spiritual training from Birmingham Bible Institute and at the feet of many seasoned senior pastors and preachers he considered as mentors. What he learned and lived by example; he passed on to young preachers as well. He was a member of the Concerned Baptist Ministers Council of Detroit and Vicinity for many years. Having been married for 28 years, he counseled and married numerous couples and was often invited as a conference speaker and presenter for retreats. He retired from the mission in 2012 and as pastor in 2020 respectfully. This legacy of over 30 years of faithful service left behind a treasure of faith, goodwill, wisdom, and inspiration.
Jerome embraced life after the loss of his beloved wife Helene in 2009. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty, he believed God had an ultimate plan and purpose for his remaining days. In 2010, he met, fell in love with, and married Yolanda Magee. Through this union there would be a new life and level of service. Together, he and Yolanda volunteered in their community delivering food to home bound seniors. He was an author of three books (God’s Purpose for My Pain, Inevitable: A Celebration of Life, Labor, Love, and EVERYWHERE: Seeing God’s Fingerprint in Every Season) - works that reflected his journey of faith and testified to God’s transformative power, faithfulness, and sustaining presence through seasons of adversity and uncertainty.
Jerome always desired to be an “agent of change.” In 2012, he created the “GYFT Podcast”, a shining example of an innovative approach to ministry, reaching audiences globally with the message of faith, inspiration, and encouragement from the Word of God. He would always remind us, “Remember, Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” He loved to preach the Word of God, but his passion and giftedness was in teaching. It was through this passion that in 2017 he became certified as a John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker. This gave birth to entrepreneurship and the creation of his own 501©3 consulting company; Destiny Development Design.
As a consultant, he provided training to businesses, and adults in personal growth and leadership development. He taught enrichment courses online to youth and for churches, workshops in evangelism. In 2025, he established Jerome Farris Ministries and created the "Legacy Hub", an organized archive of his teachings, sermons, and ministry work. This was done not for personal recognition, but so future generations could witness God’s faithfulness throughout his life and draw strength from the testimony he left behind.
His favorite chapter in the Bible was Romans 8 and verses; Psalm 37:4-5, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of your heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
Jerome found joy in life’s simple but deeply fulfilling pleasures. His favorite meal was greens, candied yams, fried chicken, sweet corn bread, apple pie and butter pecan ice cream. He loved music, and was a fan of the ole spiritual hymns, gospel, vintage Motown, jazz, and the big band sound he inherited from his mom. He enjoyed reading a good book and was a life-long learner.
In 2022, he joined Grace Community Church (Detroit) under the leadership of Doug Kempton and immediately got involved in the teaching ministry, Mentorship Ministry, and became a member of the Worship Arts ministry as a vocalist. Jerome loved singing and enjoyed tremendously expressing his love to the Lord through worship.
He loved to travel, meet people, and experience “life”. He possessed an adventurous spirit, having a “bucket list.” It was from this list that he went “parasailing” in Panama City, “jumped off waterfalls” in the Dominican Republic, “skydived” from an airplane, and “snorkeled” in the coral reefs of the British Isles. He fulfilled his childhood dream; experiencing the open road and that “breeze against his face” while taking a summer ride on his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.
Jerome discovered a new joy, purpose and ministry in the final season of his life. It was teaching life skills to children with autism spectrum disorder as a Paraprofessional, coaching Unified basketball (Special Olympics), and supporting parents and caregivers as a Respite Care Provider.
“If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
if I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
And now, with gratitude for every life he touched and every heart he lifted, we honor a life of true significance — a life that made a difference and continues to do so still.
All to the Glory of God!
Jerome leaves to cherish this wonderful legacy his faithful wife, Yolanda; son Jerome Eugene; grandchildren, Jerome Douglas, Gabriella Marie, and Chloe Clearmont; a brother Larry; two sisters Deborah and Cecilia; nephews, Bruce Wayne II (Cara), Rojesterman (Lisa), Eric, Chevez, Tylon, Rojesterman II, Zachary, Bruce Wayne III, Isaiah, Keegan, Keifer, Omir and Omar; nieces, Kimberly ( ), Rozanne, Nia, Waheedah, Courtney, and Whitney; a cousin, Paul (Beverly); a loving church family, many friends and co-laborers in ministry.
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