Of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the age of 76. Born January 15, 1950, in Paducah, Kentucky, Jerry was the son of Britten D. and Mary E. Craven. He will be remembered as a cherished and beloved presence—devoted to those he loved, faithful in the steady ways that matter most, and marked by a gentle, kind-hearted thoughtfulness that made others feel at ease.
Jerry’s warmth was easy to recognize in the simple, meaningful routines of his days. A true social butterfly, he was very friendly and polite, and he genuinely enjoyed meeting the guys at Burger King. He also had an adventurous streak and a love for cars, and at one time owned a detail shop—taking pride in the work of bringing out the best in what others might overlook. And with a quiet, humorous twist that never failed to make people smile, Jerry was often told he looked like Kenny Rogers—though, as he would surely insist, he was not.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Shelley L. Craven and Heather Masengale; his grandchildren, Kiara Stockard and Robert Stockard; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Frances (Tom) Salpietro. He was preceded in death by his parents, Britten D. and Mary E. Craven, and his brother, Britten Craven, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Burden-Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home, 1806 East Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Jerry will be laid to rest among his family at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In honoring Jerry’s life, family and friends remember a man whose devotion ran deep, whose gentle spirit and good humor lifted the ordinary, and whose friendly nature made the world around him feel more welcoming.
