JEROME MCKINSTRY

April 12, 1946 – October 14, 2025

Jerome was born to J.P. and Clausell McKinstry on April 12, 1946, in Aliceville, Alabama. At the age of 5, they moved to Fairfield, Alabama. Two years later, his younger sister Deborah Dianne was born on August 29, 1953. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Savior at the Antioch
MB Church of Fairfield, AL. He was educated in the Jefferson County Alabama and Pickens County Alabama School Systems. He completed an
internship at the Peg Leg Bates Country Club his senior year and was Salutatorian of his high school class. Due to his parents' careers, he had a
dual residency in Aliceville and Wylam, Alabama.

After graduating high school, Jerome attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where he majored in Business Administration. There, he met and married Carolyn Maull and three children (Leigh, Joya, and Brandon) were born to this union. He graduated from Fisk University in 1967. After graduation, Jerome was recruited into the United States Air Force at Lackland AFB, TX. He served as a Sargeant at Kunsan AB, Republic of
Korea with the 3 rd Tactical Fighter Wing for 4 years. While serving, he was awarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, in addition to other military honors. Additionally, Jerome was an avid lover of music and formed his own musical group, The Expressions, while in the military.
After serving in the military, Jerome began a career in business that took him to several cities including Orlando, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and
ultimately back to Birmingham, Alabama. While in Birmingham, he accepted a position with Sears, Roebuck, and Co. as a Regional Merchandise Manager. He also served in management roles for several other national companies including T.J. Maxx and Kmart following the Kmart/Sears merger. Additionally, Jerome was an entrepreneur owning and operating his own business, Copies Now, a digital print company/franchise.

Jerome was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was also active in the Forestdale community where he lived for over 45 years. Notably, he served as Vice President of the Forestdale Community Fire Board for many years. He was also an active member of the Forestdale Community Action Association.

Jerome departed this life on October 14, 2025, peacefully at home.

Jerome McKinstry leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 57 years, Carolyn (Maull) McKinstry; daughters, Leigh Erinn McKinstry and Joya Diane McKinstry of Atlanta, Georgia: son, Brandon Jerome McKinstry of Birmingham, Alabama; sister, Deborah Dianne Toney and brother-in-law, Rick of Huntsville, Alabama; brother-in-law, Samuel Maull, Jr. of New York, New York; brother-in-law, Chester Maull (Tresea) of Lexington, Kentucky; brother-in-law, Wendell Maull of Atlanta, Georgia; and sister-in-law, Agnes Gardner (Hugh) of Birmingham, Alabama; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.