Beulah M. Jelks, 88 of Long Branch, NJ was born January 10, 1933 to the late Mose and Doshia Barrow in Anniston, Alabama. She was the youngest of 9 children (three brothers and five sisters). She is preceded in death by sisters, Laura B. Glover, Frances Barrow Grimes, Carrie L. Barrow Ferguson, Ruby Mae Barrow Byrdsong, Margaret Barrow Morton; Brothers, Ulysses Barrow, Joseph Barrow and James E. Barrow.
While we know not the day God will call, he made his call to Beulah on Sunday July 4, 2021.
Beulah received her education through the Alabama School System, graduating from Cobb Avenue High school.
She married her hometown sweetheart, Mr. Alphonso Jelks, Sr. they were married for 65 years until her passing. To this union, four children were born.
Beulah was very family and community oriented. She was employed by the Long Branch School system before retiring.
She was an active member of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church. At Trinity, Beulah was a member of The Board of Stewardess, the Scholarship Committee, and a volunteer for the Trinity Food Pantry.
She was a Board Member and membership chairperson of the Greater Long Branch Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Community member of the School Leadership Council, member of the Monmouth County Board of Elections, Academy Leadership, Eastern Stars, Chairperson for Long Branch Monmouth County Cotillion Committee, Inc., 42 years.
Beulah was a fun and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved cooking and baking. She especially enjoyed cooking and grilling on holidays. The Jelks house was where family and friends would gather.
Beulah leaves to cherish her memories and rejoice her homegoing her husband, Alphonso; her sons James, Kenneth (Yvonne), George (Miesha); her grandchildren, Kellie, Sammara, Alphonso III (Lacy), Kenisha, Kuron, Kenneth Jr., Kiara; her great-grandchildren Jashir, Jaia, DiLexus, Jailah, Kareem and Ava.
Small in stature, but big in heart, Beulah will obviously be missed by those who knew and loved her. She strived to do what God had appointed her and to live a life pleasing in his sight.
A life well lived is a beautiful legacy. I am forever grateful and thankful to God for HIS gift of my beloved Aunt Beulah. She will always be remembered for her guidance, protection and tender love, while she cared for me when I was a child. Holy spirit of life and peace, be with us now as we mourn our departed loved one, who has lived in joy and departed in peace. May we follow the best in her and truly loving and preserving the gifts she gave us. As long as we live, she too will live, for she lives on in all of us.