Jerry D.

Mcgraw

Jerry D. Mcgraw

Trinity All Nation Church

9600 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

VISITATION: 10AM

SERVICE: 11AM - 12PM

As a United States Army Vietnam Veteran, Jerry will be buried with a full military honor ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln National ​Cemetery, per his request. Family and friends are welcome to join the processional to the cemetery, located in Joliet/Elwood, Illinois, ​immediately following the funeral service. The military service will begin promptly at 2 PM. Due to the nature of the property being ​under the jurisdiction of the United States Armed Forces, all attendees must arrive together and on time.

REPAST:

Morgan Park Academy Dining Hall

(Formerly Morgan Park Military Academy not Morgan Park High School)

Immediately Following Burial

2153 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643

GOT QUESTIONS?

Q: What time does the service start?

A: The service will begin promptly at 11 AM.

Q: Can I speak and give remarks during the service?

A: Due to the nature of the funeral and military ceremony, we have pre-assigned speakers. However, you are more than welcome to ​speak and share your memories at the repast following the service.

Q: What is a military ceremony?

A: A military funeral ceremony is a formal service honoring a deceased military veteran. It typically includes a ceremonial flag ​presentation, the playing of "Taps," and other honors. For more details, please see the information provided by the Department of ​Veterans Affairs here.

Q: Why did you choose this cemetery?

A: While there are many cemeteries called “military,” only certain cemeteries are designated as National Cemeteries by the Department ​of Veterans Affairs. We chose this cemetery, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, because it is the closest National Cemetery. You can ​find a list of all National Cemeteries here.

Q: Will there be a repast?

A: Yes, the repast will be held at the Morgan Park Academy Dining Hall. (formerly the Morgan Park Military Academy). We will have food ​available; however, no liquor will be served per my dad's request. 2153 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643 - Parking and street parking is ​available .

FLOWERS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Phone: (773) 721-7200

southchicagochapel.com

Dear Clark and Akira,

On behalf of my family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the care and professionalism you provided during the preparations for Jerry ​McGraw’s, funeral. Jerry loved you both. Your attention to detail, compassion, and respect for our wishes made an incredibly difficult time a little easier ​to bear.

We truly appreciate the dedication and support you showed us, ensuring everything was handled with grace and dignity. We are grateful for the effort ​you put into helping us in honoring Jerry’s life and legacy.

Thank you for being a source of comfort during this time of loss.

With sincere appreciation,

The McGraw Family

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JERRY

Rev. Jerry D. McGraw was born on April 18, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Zach and Dorothy McGraw. From humble beginnings, Jerry’s journey led him to the ​vibrant heart of Chicago, where he found both education and opportunity at Dunbar Vocational High School. Early in life, Jerry gave his life to Christ, a decision ​that shaped his path and inspired him to become an ordained minister. His faith was his foundation, guiding him through every challenge and blessing that life ​would bring.

With a profound sense of duty, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor during the Vietnam War. His service was marked by ​courage, resilience, and an unwavering love for the nation he was proud to protect. Jerry returned home, a chemical engineer he carried the values of hard work, ​integrity, and service into every aspect of his life.

Jerry held various roles within the City of Chicago, including a notable position at the Chicago Tribune. However, it was his 30 years as an Operational Engineer at ​the City of Chicago Water Purification Plant that truly defined his career. His commitment to his community extended beyond his city work; he also pursued his ​passion for helping others as a small business owner, becoming a respected funeral home director. His dedication to this calling was evident in the care he ​provided and the love he poured into training his children to continue the family business, ensuring his legacy of compassion would live on.

Jerry’s heart, however, found its greatest joy in the love of his life, his wife Betty McGraw. Together, they shared 50 beautiful years, a partnership built on mutual ​respect, unwavering support, and deep affection. Their union was blessed with a loving family, including their children Joshuia, Darryl, Marschan, Stantevia, ​Nakita (Kevin), and Daniel. Jerry was a devoted father, whose love knew no bounds and whose guidance shaped the lives of his children. Though his children ​Yelleta and Jerry Jr. preceded him in death, they now rest in his loving embrace once more.

As the last of his siblings, Jerry’s passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter. He joins his brothers and one sister in heaven, where their reunion is surely ​filled with joy. On August 22, 2024, God called Jerry home. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the family who cherished him.

Jerry’s life was a testament to faith, love, and unwavering strength. His presence touched so many, leaving behind a legacy of fond memories, enduring lessons, ​and an unshakeable impact. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived, the compassion he showed, and the love he gave so freely. ​His memory will forever be a beacon of light in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

WATCH LIVE

THE LIFE OF REV. JERRY D. MCGRAW

He was the best father and ​husband anyone could ever ​ask for.

In Loving Memory

Jerry, the youngest of his siblings, was affectionately known as "The ​Baby." Despite this playful nickname, he bore the weight of tremendous ​loss, outliving not only his brothers and sister but also his beloved son ​and daughter. As the last to pass away in his generation, Jerry’s journey ​now continues with those he loved who went before him. His legacy is ​one of strength, love, and resilience, forever etched in the hearts of ​those who remain. Though the void he leaves is profound, the memories ​of his kindness, humor, and enduring spirit will continue to shine ​brightly.

Love Beyond What They Could See

Fifty years ago, our journey began,

You played Love Ballad featuring Jeffrey Osbourne by LTD, held ​my hand.

“You’ll be my wife,” you boldly said,

Though I smiled, my heart was led.

Eighteen years of sweet refrain,

“No” I’d whisper, but love remained.

We both knew deep down in the heart’s decree,

Our love was more than they could see.

A bond unseen, yet ever true,

A love much greater than we knew.

Now, as we part, but not forever,

I’ll love you always, my dear, my treasure.

It’s not goodbye, just see you later,

Until we meet beyond life’s equator.

Love, Your Wife Betty

A daughter’s and grandaughter’s love...

I’ve had some good days, I’ve ​had some hills to climb, but ​nothing prepared me for this ​departure. I realize now that I ​can no longer be selfish, God ​needed you more! I am at peace ​because you are now at peace! ​You were and still are my heart, ​my favorite person, my ​everything! I saw an angel get ​their wings..I saw my angel gain ​eternal life.. Forever the ​strongest man I know. The ​undertaker, the backbone to this ​family, our patriarch and I love ​you always! Until we meet again, ​I’ll see you later! Love Patty

The magnitude of this pain is ​hard. Daddy you told me to ​be strong, you prepared me ​so long ago however now that ​it is time. So hard to let you ​go. In my heart you will always ​be. Holding my hand and right ​beside me. I love you daddy ​forever.

Love Marschan.

Daddy, you taught me to stand tall,

To be fierce, speak up, and give it my all.

You showed me how to dream big and wide,

To face the world with strength and pride.

You raised me to stand for what’s right,

To speak my truth, with all my might.

Now, as you rest, know this is true,

I’ve got Momma’s back, just like you’d do.

My husband’s a reflection of the man you’ve been,

Strong, loving, and my best friend.

But no matter where life takes me, or where I whirl,

I’ll always be your little girl.

So rest easy, Daddy, with peace in your heart,

Your lessons and love will never depart.

I’ve got this, and I’ve got Momma too,

Because everything I am, I learned from you.

Love, Mo

Daddy’s Girl, Forever

Family Bonds

Jerry was a man who knew how to enjoy life. Whether he was savoring Sonny Boy and Sugar Foot’s ​delicious food, trading jokes with BoBo, or laughing at Kevin for getting on his last nerves, he embraced ​every moment with his family. He cherished his daily calls from Rochelle, who never missed a chance to ​check on him, and he loved hearing from who he called his “famous niece”, Nita, all the way from Las ​Vegas. And let’s not forget, Jerry proudly told everyone—more than once—that Harry James picked his ​career at the water department solely because of him! He truly thrived on the calls, messages, and a little ​bit of gossip, finding joy in the love and laughter that filled his days.

Whenever he walked into a room, he brought happiness and hope along with him.

Love... Jerry was FULL with LOVE