Jerry Cummins

Jerry Lyne Cummins, 79, of Danville, peacefully entered heaven the morning of January 2, 2023 with his loving wife by his side.

Jerry was born on May 6, 1943 in Rose Hill, IL to Euwell and Virginia (Utley) Cummins. He graduated from Newton High School in 1961. On August 16, 1964, Jerry married his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Romack, and they went on to raise four children together.

He attended Bob Jones University and Eastern Illinois University where he received his bachelors and masters degrees in education. In 2005, a Doctor of Divinity degree was conferred on him by Ambassador Baptist College. He spent the beginning of his career in education where he taught, coached, and was principal at Hidalgo School, Newton Grade School, and Southside Christian School in Greenville, SC.

Jerry soon realized that God was calling him to be a preacher, and he spent the rest of his life serving God in that way. He pastored churches in Paris, IL, Woodridge, IL, and in Danville, IL where he was the pastor at First Baptist Church for over 18 years until his retirement in 2010. Like many pastors, he continued to serve after his retirement by assisting the pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Covington, IN until he was physically no longer able to do so. During his years as a pastor, he was also privileged to serve as the president of the Association of Independent Baptist Churches and as a board member for Baptist World Mission.

Jerry was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini fan. He was also just as big of a fan of his children and grandchildrens sports through the years. He was quite the athlete himself as a young man, and was inducted into the USA Softball of Illinois Hall of Fame due to his exceptional abilities in center field.

Most importantly, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ alone. His biggest desire was that those he loves know and follow Jesus. He taught us in word and deed that God is in control and is always good. He loved his family dearly and prayed for each of us by name every day. He will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in KNOWING that we will see him again one day because of our personal faith in Jesus.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Cummins, who has been by his side since he was 16 years old. He is also survived by their four children: Jamee (Gary) Fouts of New Lenox, IL, John (Sandi) Cummins of Danville, IL, Jay (Mary) Cummins of Belgrade, MT, and Susan (Ryan) Humes of Indianapolis, IN. Their grandchildren: Stephanee (Rob) Dupre, Tiffanee Fouts, Kyle Cummins, Cade Cummins, Jake Cummins, Jack Cummins, Ava Cummins, Ella Cummins, Lucas Humes, and Mason Humes. Their great-grandchildren: Rilee, Austin, and Colton Dupre. His sister: Janice (George) Easton of Hidalgo, IL.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Euwell and Virginia Cummins, and his brother, David Cummins.

The family would like to specifically thank Dr. Tim and Glenna Horner; whose great friendship and help over these past few weeks has been an invaluable blessing.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, 1211 N Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61832. Pastor Paul Rebert will officiate. A private family burial will take place Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Aten Cemetery in rural Hidalgo, IL. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the church.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Teacher Enrichment Fund at First Baptist Christian School in Danville, a cause that was very dear to Pastor Cummins heart.

Please join Jerry's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of his through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .