Jeremiah Thacker

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to harvest; A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up; A time to cry and a time to laugh; A time to give and time to dance; A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to turn away; A time to search and a time to quit searching; A time to keep and a time to throw away; A time to fear and a time to mend; A time to be quiet and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

God is Sovereign; he can do what, when, and how he wants to do. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the death angel took another link from the family chain when Jeremiah went home to be with his other family members, while surrounded by his wife and children. Jerry peacefully eased his way home, where there is no more pain, discomfort, medicine, or doctors.

Jerry was the last child born to Lillie Roberta Buford Thacker and Andy Thacker on September 26, 1948, in Oxford, Mississippi. He was baptized 68 years ago, along with his nieces Bertha Grace, Ruby Jean, and nephew Leroy by Rev. Doctor John M. Caldwell. He attended Glenwood Elementary School and Central High School, in the class of 1966. Jerry was a left-handed softball pitcher who played for the Roy Ryan & Son softball team at Sunset Park. Later, Jerry obtained his associate's degree from Purdue University and his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. He was employed at George Koch & Sons as one of the first blacks under an apprentice program, along with Ronald (Cox) Griffith. Jerry had an extensive work history, being employed at Earl E. Clements Job Corps, and Town and Country Ford. His business-minded spirit led him to become a successful entrepreneur as the owner of Big Thack’s Pool Hall and American Health Dynamic’s, a home-health medical equipment company which he operated with his wife Mildred Thacker for over twenty-two years.

Jerry grew up as a lifelong member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he became a Deacon. He took his position very seriously, executing his duties faithfully, as he would a job. Jerry and Betty Young headed up the We Care Ministry at the church. He was a dedicated driver in the Bus Transportation Ministry and enjoyed taking the riders out to eat after the meetings.

Jeremiah and Mildred Jones were married May 25, 2006, blending their family of 8 children. In his leisure time, Jerry loved to watch Old Cowboy and Marvel Movies, Action Movies, listening to Gospel music, and eating out with his pastor and friend Rev. Rudolph Valentino Terry, Jr. Everyone who knew Jerry, was aware of how much he loved to debate. He debated Donald Trump on CNN or MSNBC and it didn’t matter that Donald couldn’t hear him! He was not a veteran, but he supported them all, especially on Veteran’s Day.

Jerry also loved fellowshipping and going out to eat with all the ministers. Thanks to Rev. Wakefield Rev. Rascoe, Rev. Brooks, Rev. Blair, and Rev. Baltzell. Some believe he thought maybe he would get called too. When it came to the game of golf, let’s keep in mind, that Deacon Thacker could not play, but his wife Millie had him dressed & suited up to look the part, because that was her boo! There was a foursome put together that included Rev. Terry Jr., Leroy Williams, the late Deacon Marshall Edmonds, and Deacon Jeremiah Thacker. They became great golf partners and friends.

The first Cousin’s Family Reunion was hosted and sponsored in Evansville by Jerry. He loved his family, always saying it was God’s Grace.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie Roberta Buford Thacker and Andy Thacker; brothers, Andy Thacker, Jr., and L.C. McGlown (Zelma); sisters, Ernestine Herrod (William), Anna Morrow Owsley (Joe Morrow & James Owsley), and Lois Campbell Calhoun; granddaughter, Breyonda Thacker. One can only imagine what a time they will have in that Great Getting Up Morning!

Left to carry on his legacy ,stories, and memories are his devoted wife Mildred; children, Demarco LaMar Thacker, Kimberly Ann Thacker (Darrius), Jamel Thacker (Teddy), Ramon Clayton, Jermaine Moore, Rev. George Henry Madison, Jr (LaRissa), Deandria Madison, Dougneckeo Madison; raised as his sisters, Bertha Kelley (Roger) and Irene Wills Martin; mother-in-law Anna Pearl Dozier-Jones, 25 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces & nephews; numerous cousins, in-laws, friends; colleagues that were at 1100 Lloyd Expressway Building and Zion Missionary Baptist Church Family.

It is so hard to say goodbye, Big Fella. So, we will say, see you later!