Woodrow Jelks

Woodrow Wilson Jelks, 102, of Carmi passed away at 5:50 a.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at his residence. He was born September 6, 1915 in White Bluff Columbia Mississippi, the son of William Marion and Etta (Speights) Jelks. He married the love of his life Helen Leola Holt on New Years Eve, December 31, 1938 after a two week courtship. They shared this union for 61 years until her death on January 28, 1999.

Woodie worked first in the Arkansas Oilfields, then moved to White County in April of 1943. Employed by Pure Oil Company in the early 60's merged with Union Oil of California to become Union 76. He was promoted to gang pusher in charge of taking care of production. In 1963 Woodie became production foreman for this area and was in charge of completing wells and putting the wells on pump. He retired on October 30, 1980 after 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge. His pastimes for much of his life was hunting and gardening up until he turned 93.

Woodie is survived by a son, David Jelks; two daughters, Linda (Mike) Richmond and Mary (Jerry) Winter with whom he lived; five grandchildren, Michelle Jacobson, Andrea Jelks, Chris Jelks, Diana Glixman and Donna Joslyn; three great-grandchildren, Miles Glixman, Lillie Glixman and Georgia Jacobson; lifelong friends, Larry (Brenda) Huff; several nieces and nephews and one brother-in-law. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Celtic Hospice Team and caregivers, Rhonda Mitchell and Brenda Collins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, three sisters, his beloved wife, daughter-in-law, Maribeth Jelks and a grandson-in-law, Jeff Glixman.

Visitation for Woodrow Jelks will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi with a graveside service to immediately follow at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.