Jeremiah Francis O'Brien

Jeremiah (Jerry) Francis O’Brien, age 83, went to be with the Lord peacefully on January 16, 2021 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC. At his side was his loving wife, Eleanor O’Brien, his adoring children Colleen (Jim) Smiley of Huntersville, NC, Siobhan (Greg) O’Brien Stevens of Bartonville, TX, Tara (Bob) O’Brien Floyd of Winston Salem, NC, and his beloved grandchildren Torey Smiley, Jeremiah Maxwell, Jake Smiley, McLeod Stevens, Darragh Stevens, and Donovan Stevens. Jerry was born in Amsterdam, NY on December 12, 1937. He attended Hudson Valley Institute of Technology and after college he served in the US Army. He then embarked on a successful 37 year career with IBM in sales that moved the family from Hyde Park, NY to Greenville, SC and on to Charlotte, NC. Jerry had a gregarious, outgoing personality that enabled him to make friends easily in all walks of life. He was a great friend to many and due to his engaging personality he seemingly never met a stranger. He had a true servant’s heart and was known for his tremendous generous spirit. Jerry freely shared his time, wisdom, talent and resources with all his friends and family which will leave an indelible legacy on all that knew him. Jerry was also known as an active volunteer in many charitable organizations over the years. Most recently and proudly he donated personally handcrafted furniture, sports memorabilia and numerous other items to Cancer Services in Winston Salem. He was also a skilled woodworker and loved passing down this skill and knowledge to his grandsons and building Adirondack style furniture for friends and family. His spirit and all of the fond memories over the years will live on in our hearts and minds. Jerry will be reunited in heaven with his parents and brother who preceded him in death. A private family service will be held on Thursday January 21. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you please consider sending donations to Cancer Services Inc by accessing their website at cancerservicesonline.org or by mail to 3175 Maplewood Ave., Winston Salem, NC 27103. Jerry was always one with a kind word or a touching toast so in his honor we offer you his favorite: Irish Blessing. May the roads rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warmly upon your face, May the rain fall softly upon your fields And until we meet again… May God hold you in the hollow of his hand