Jerry W. Drone

Jerry W. Drone was born on November 27, 1942, to Tommie William Drone and Clara Bell Albritton-Drone. He went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Summa Akron City Hospital, after an extended illness. His wife Delores, children, Roxanne and Shaun, and granddaughter, Brianna kept a continuous vigil at his bedside during this time.

He matriculated through Akron Public Schools, graduating from East High School. He obtained a Bachelor's degree and Master's of Science degree in Education from the University of Akron. He taught elementary school for several years before accepting an administrative position as the Lane South Community School Coordinator. Later he became the director of Adult Basic Education and Community Programs for Akron Public Schools (APS). He retired from APS in December of 2003, in his 40th year of employment. In addition, he served as a board member for several educational and community service agencies.

Mr. Jerry Drone was born into a pastor’s family. His father was the founder of Faith Temple Church of the Living God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 14. This was the beginning of his active personal service life in the church. Jerry started his service in the church as a Sunday school teacher, and then he became the pianist and director of the sanctuary choir. He maintained the position of Minister of Music for the local church for over fifty-five years. The sanctuary choir under his direction became one the most prolific, well-trained choirs in Akron and throughout Ohio. In addition, he served as the minister of music for the National Church of the Living God: The Pillar and Ground of the Truth. In that position, he traveled with his brother, Bishop Benjamin Drone, around the northern, southern, and midwestern states, training and directing choirs.

He gladly shared his knowledge and skills in directing, voice training, and gospel music piano techniques with anyone who requested. He shared these musical talents locally by serving in youth and adult community choirs. One of those choirs was the renowned Akron Community Fellowship Organization Choir, better known as the “Joy Night” choir. In addition, Jerry was blessed to participate in several musical recordings through the National James Cleveland Music Workshop. For his service to the music community, locally and nationally, he received numerous awards that acknowledged and commended his musical contributions.

Jerry’s hobbies and interests surrounded serving God in the local, state, and national church and organizations. It was not uncommon for Jerry to spend his weekend evenings and Sunday afternoons attending choral concerts by local and national artists. Due to so much of his world revolving around the church, “Church” became his nickname. His proficiency in media and digital applications was shared with anyone who needed assistance. If he could not figure out the solution quickly, he would do extensive research until he found the answer. His digital aptitude and preference for Apple products have been passed down to his children.

Jerry will be remembered for being a generous, unselfish, faithful, and trustworthy member of his immediate and extended family. His home was always open to friends and family. Whether it was hosting the best family and choir Christmas parties or to those who found themselves temporarily in need of shelter, you were always welcome.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Bishop Tommie William Drone and Mother Clara Bell Albritton Drone; sisters, Vernelle (Richard) Roberts and Geneva Shedrick; sister-in-law, Minnie Drone; brothers, Thomas (Julia) Drone, Bishop David (Remonia) Drone, and Harvey Drone (as an infant).

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 51 years, Ida Delores Gulley Drone; daughter, Roxanne J.E. (Don) Allen, of Toledo, OH; son, Shaun J.W. (Isabel) Drone, of Southfield, MI; daughter/granddaughter, Brianna A.D. Drone, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Khalil, Elijah, and Nia Drone, of Southfield, MI; Danielle Allen, of Toledo, OH; Monet (Francis) Bugyei, of Dublin, OH; brothers, Leaston Drone, Alphonso (Geraldine) Drone and Bishop Benjamin Drone, all of Akron, OH; and brother-in-law, William Shedrick of Akron, OH.

Jerry also leaves the Faith Temple Church and the National Church of the Living God family, the loving and devoted Drone and Gulley nieces and nephews, as well as precious church and community friends, too numerous to name individually.

I will bless the Lord at all times His praise shall continually be in my mouth Psalms 34:1

A visitation for Mr. Jerry Drone will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Temple Church of the Living God, 701 Sylvan Ave., Akron, OH, 44306 with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. at the church. The committal service will occur Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 W. Market St., Akron, OH, 44333. Masks will be required for all services.