Rev. Saul T. Jerdo Jr.

There are not enough words in the American dictionary to suffice an authentic memorial of one so honorable.  Born of the flesh and the spirit comes a great leader for the people of God, Rev. Saul T. Jerdo, Jr.  On November 16, 1930, he was born to the late Mr. Saul and Mrs. AnnaLaura Jerdo, being proud parents and an equally proud father, he was named SAUL T. JERDO, JR. 

Yes, being born of the flesh, this young and very talented man felt just like God, “that it’s not good for man to be alone.”  No doubt in looking and searching for just the right companion he found whom God had set aside only for him, DOROTHY MAE ANDERSON. A God sent all the way from Decatur, Georgia.  On February 27, 1950, they were united in holy matrimony.  From this union, a beautiful baby girl they named Dorothy Ann.  He later became the proud grandfather of two grandsons, Anthony and Kenneth.

In 1955 he was drafted into the army. He discovered his gift for singing at an early age and began singing the blues.   His gift of singing the blues allowed him to travel abroad during his tour as the lead singer (aka THE AMAZING MR. SCREAMO) of an internationally known military band.  As years continued to roll by, he desired to use his voice for God, that others may feel the presence of God.  The Lord spoke to him while singing “Blue Moon” in Duncan’s Lounge and said, “Come out from among them!”  Heading to the Lord’s call, he continued his singing career with many outstanding groups, such as “THE MIGHTY FAITH INCREASERS” and “THE SOUL REDEEMERS” just to mention a few.  Songs were sung with originality and the love of God was being rooted deeper in his heart, yet this seemed inadequate, for the spirit began to cry out more, “SAUL JERDO I NEED YOU TO FEED MY SHEEP”(ISAIAH 58:1).  On that great day, March 10, 1968, he accepted his calling as a preacher of the gospel.  He was no longer to be called Saul T. Jerdo but REV. SAUL T. JERDO, JR.

In September 1968, he founded and formed Beams of Heaven Baptist Church in the living room of his home.  His ministry quickly flourished, thus, he moved to the Y.M.C.A. on Lincoln Park Drive and later to a storefront on Montgomery Road.  He was blessed but many stated, “He won’t make it day.” The word of God proclaims,”…many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).  Being a chosen vessel of God caused many things to happen in his life; things that he couldn’t explain.  But whenever besetments came, his loving wife was always there to encourage, comfort, and console his discouragements.  For the last 50 years, he struggled untiringly with his church, and continued God’s work at our current location, 449 Dayton Street.

God entrusted many lives under his powerful ministry.  He was a unique leader with such originality and character.  As a famous radio announcer he continued to spread the Good News through song, and cloned his saying, “YOU AIN’T NOTHING BUT SUGAR!” He is known for having a giving heart and a special love for seniors.  He held Thanksgiving dinners for seniors, distributed free toys at Christmas for the community, Gospel on the Water, sponsored carnivals, and sold the best barbecue dinners in the city.   His love for God extended even into television as one of the first televangelist on Channel 12.                   

He was preceded in death by his parents, Saul and Annalaura Jerdo; two brothers, Thomas and Jimmy (Beatrice) Jerdo, and one sister Katie Walker, his loving and faithful wife of almost 60 years, DOROTHY MAE JERDO.  He leaves to honor his memory his caring and loyal daughter, Dorothy Ann Jerdo; one brother, Larry Jerdo (Cincinnati); two sisters, Anna Brown-Jerdo(Detroit), Evelyn Jerdo(Las Vegas) and  two grandsons, Minister Anthony (Darlene) Burse and Kenneth (Anicka) Jerdo; five great-grandchildren, Anthony Jr., Bria, Kiara, Alleysia, and Kenneth Jr.; a loving congregation of faithful members, and a host of  family and friends.           

With humble beginnings and only a 9th grade education, he was able to accomplish many goals through the help of God. The following poem summarizes his life story:   

From barefoot to Stacy Adams

From one shiny suit to a flourishing wardrobe

From pinto beans to filet mignon

From a 3 room apartment in the basement to a 3 bedroom condominium

From non-expensive furniture to hanging chandeliers

From half cracked car windows to a Coupe de Ville Cadillac 

From a wretch undone to a giant in Christ

From the lowest to the highest

From a NOBODY to a SOMEBODY! 

                                                                   AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Visitation is from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the House of Joy, 3220 Central Parkway, Cincinnati  (45225).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Interment will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Dayton National Cemetery.  

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Walker Funeral Home, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy (45231)  is serving the Jerdo family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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