Jerome B. Poe

Jerome Belton Poe, 73 of Brooklyn passed away on Monday, November 25, 2013. He was born on June 27th, 1940 to John B. and Eugenia Poe at Cumberland Hospital. At an early age, he was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board, Sunday School and Progressive Youth Organization. He graduated as Salutatorian from Boys High School, receiving a full academic scholarship out of state. A true son of Brooklyn, he opted to remain closer to home and continued his education at City College at the University of New York. Here, he joined the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi, where he remained connected to his brothers for life. It was during his time in college that he met Mary Helen Bruce; they married after graduation and from this union, they had 3 children: Jonathan Bruce, Melissa Anne and Moira Eugenia.

Following graduation, Jerry received the Martin Luther King Study Fellowship to Pratt Institute. He graduated with a Masters in City Planning. He worked in public service including time with the New York City Department of Welfare, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation as well as the New York State Urban Development; with this last group, he helped to plan the development of Roosevelt Island.

He is survived by his wife and children; his younger sisters Alma Lee Reid and Joan O’Bryan; brother in law Greg Reid, two nephews Gregory and Chris Reid and a host of family, friends and fraternity brothers.

He is so very loved and will be so very missed.

In Lieu of flowers, family would prefer you make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name and honor.