Dr. Rufus Jerry Elliott

Dr Rufus Jerry Elliott, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, January 4, 2020. He was born February 13, 1944 to Rufus A and Emma Elliott. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Donna Sherylane Bessent Elliott; his siblings Shirley Elliott, Billy(Paulette)Elliott, Dee Dee Elliott; his children Shonna Yarbrough, Michael Elliott, Melinda Lewis, Tiffany Stevenson, and Corbett Yarbrough Sr(Karlie); his grandchildren Casey, Lake, Alexis, Alanna, Corbett Jr, and Kinsey. 

Dr Elliott was born in Colorado City, TX. He was proud to be a career military man joining the US Navy at 17 years old and retiring as an AVCM after 30 years of service. He obtained his Doctorate of Education degree from the University of Sarasota. He was a member of Sigma Iota Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa. Upon his Navy retirement, Jerry enjoyed teaching both at the primary level in Clay County Public Schools and the collegiate level at UNF, University of Phoenix, and St Leo’s University. 

Jerry was an active member of the community as a teacher, an Eagle Scout Mentor and Boy Scout leader (Troop 577), A Master Mason (Dawkins Lodge #60) and a Noble of the Shrine (Morocco Temple of Jacksonville). He touched many lives and received numerous accolades throughout his community endeavors. 

Family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 6 to 8:00pm at Broadus-Raines Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 10am at Harbor Baptist Church, Fleming Island, followed by the graveside service at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:00pm.  

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jerry’s name to Community Hospice of Northeast FL or the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Tampa, FL.