Jerry Shazel, Jr., 51, of Palatka entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the Malcom Randall V. A. Medical Center in Gainesville following a brief illness. A native of Daytona Beach, he was the son of Jeremiah Shazel and Rosia Dell Evans Shazel, born November 17, 1959. He was educated in the Volusia County School District and a 1977 graduate of Mainland High School, Daytona Beach. He has resided in Palatka for over 30 years. He was a former member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, Palatka, and the Lord's Temple City of Refuge in Hastings. Jerry rededicated his life to the Lord at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church. Following graduation, He entered basic training and later served in the U.S. Army Reserves (E-4) earning an honorable discharge. Always wearing a smile, Jerry's hobbies include, boxing, basketball, and just conversing with friends and family. Jerry's favorite quote, "God's got us!" was often heard in his conversations. He is preceded in eternal rest by his beloved Mother, Rosia Dell Evans Shazel (September 20, 2010); grandparents, James and Josiephine Evans; uncles, John J., James F., Jeremiah and Clarence Evans; and Aunt, Minnie B. Bartley; nephew, Damian L. Henry. To cherish his memories: daughters, J'Miaa Tiera Shazel, Nevaeh E. Phillips; son, Marlon "Bootnie" Felder, all of Palatka; grand-son, Jaylon Felder, Palatka; Father, Jeremiah Shazel, Daytona Beach; Brothers, Michael Shazel, Sr., Vernon Shazel, Melvin Shazel, and Gregory (Beatrice) Shazel; all of Palatka; sisters, Donna (Cassius) Thomas, Palatka; Sally Shazel, Jacksonville; former wife and friend, Tedra Oliver, St. Augustine; aunts and uncles, Mattie Evans, Palatka; George (Henrietta) Evans, Annie Mae Evans, Doris Evans, & Myrtle Evans, all of Hastings; Daniel (Bettye) Evans, Titusville; Helen Evans, Temple Hill, MD., Lois Rutledge, St. Augustine; Celestine Evans & Jeanette Evans, both of Delaware; Gladys Smart, Daytona Beach; sister-in-law, India Shazel; god-son, Devon Cooper; special friend, (Nevaeh's mother) Troilanda Phillips, all of Palatka; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2011. Homegoing Celebration will be 10 a.m. Saturday. June 4, 2011 at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, 1501 Bronson Street, Palatka, Elder J. C. Tookes, pastor, presiding. Minister Alvin Oliver, associate Minister of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.