Jerlean Dent Obituary

Jerlean Dent was a sweet soul whose warmth and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born on March 15, 1945, in Lexington County, South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of the late Willie Dent Jr. and Gennie Mae Dent. On July 6, 2025, Jerlean was called to her eternal rest and entered into "Paradise." Jerlean was educated in the historic Rosenwald School of Lexington, SC, where she stood out as a star basketball player and a bright presence among her classmates. After graduating high school, she moved to Elizabeth City, New Jersey, where she spent the next 31 years building a life rooted in hard work and care for others. In 1994, she returned to her hometown of Gilbert, SC. At an early age, Jerlean accepted Christ as her Savior and became a faithful member of Springhill AME Church. Her gentle spirit and deep faith were reflected in the way she lived-always with kindness, humility, and love. During her time in New Jersey, Jerlean worked at ShopRite, where she formed meaningful friendships and retired after many years of dedicated service. Upon returning to South Carolina, she continued to serve others through her work at Allied Chemical, Carolina Culinary Foods, and later as a caregiver at Dent's Alternative Adult Daycare. Jerlean adored her family and found her greatest joy in loving them. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, and a proud grandmother; she especially cherished her great-granddaughter, who brought light to her later years. She is survived by her loving daughter, Erica Cook, who faithfully cared for her mother until her final days with unmatched love and dedication; her devoted sisters: Genell (Richard) Thompson, Glenda Johnson, Revola (Edward) Black, and Janice (Joe) Mealing; her beloved grandchildren: Destynee Jackson, Catriez Cook, DeAndre Cook; her great-granddaughter, Xenoviyah Jackson, and aunt Mary Colman and uncle Theordore Colman. She is also remembered fondly by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her family, Jerlean shared a lifelong bond with her best friend, Edna Penn, whom she met during her years in New Jersey. Edna was more than a friend - she was like a sister. Their friendship was filled with laughter, love, and unshakable loyalty, and it remained a treasured part of Jerlean's life through the years. Jerlean was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Dent Jr. and Gennie Mae Dent, and her siblings: Willie James Dent, Ray Allen Dent, Lillie Mae Dent, and Neomia Marie Alewine. Jerlean's life was a testament to grace, humility, and love. Her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the blessing of knowing her. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SERVICE PROGRAM To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerlean Dent, please visit our floral store.