On June 24, 1959, God blessed Althraus Hutchins, Sr. & Ozell Thornton Hutchins with their 5th child, Jerome Hutchins. Jerome was a quiet, calm, and peaceful child. The attributes that he displayed in his childhood carried over into his adulthood as he became the distinguished, witty, and humble gentleman that many came to know and love.

On May 11, 2022 - on the same day that his mom departed this life 27 years prior- Jerome Hutchins completed his last march & entered his eternal rest.

At an early age, Jerome accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He became a member of his family's home church, Pleasant Grove A.M.E. As an adult, Jerome's helpful, joyful, and giving spirit was a reflection of his acknowledgment of Jesus Christ's love. He showed the love of Christ to those he encountered through his wisdom, grace, and service.

Attending Early County High School for his formal education, Jerome graduated in 1977. After graduation, he enlisted with what would become one of his greatest loves and place of accomplishment - The United States Army. Jerome left home at the age of 18 in pursuit of a better life for himself and ultimately for his family. His vision was far greater than what he had seen and his selflessness was the motivation behind his efforts. Jerome remained focused on his personal and career goals as he traveled this entire world serving as a beacon of hope and light as he both served and protected the United States of America.

One of his greatest accomplishments was earning the distinguished & highest enlisted rank possible in the United States Army. In October 2000, Jerome Hutchins achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. During his service, he trained over 20,000 soldiers & not only completed but managed several tours of duty both overseas & stateside. His duty as a soldier in the US Army, afforded him the opportunity to receive extensive military education & training. He also earned his certification as a JROTC instructor.

Sergeant Major Jerome Hutchins was a soldier's soldier. Jerome's leadership abilities led to him becoming a decorated soldier. His honors include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (8th Award), Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Army (Retired) Lapel Button, Parachutist Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, & Basic Recruiter Badge with 3 Gold Achievement Stars.

Jerome served the United States Army for 27 years, 4 months, & 29 days. Enlisting in 1977, serving 6 years, 6 months, and 13 days of foreign service, Sergeant Major Jerome Hutchins was honorably discharged & retired in 2005. After retirement from The Armed Forces of the United States of America, Jerome re-entered the workforce as a civilian and also enrolled and completed college coursework.

Although Jerome has trained, taught, and inspired many people around the world, his trainings, teachings, and inspiration were always most profound to those he called family. His accomplishments and accolades are incomparable to his love for family.  Jerome is preceded in death by his father -  Althraus Hutchins, Sr., mother - Ozell Hutchins, & infant brother - Altherus Hutchins.

He leaves to cherish his memory and uphold his legacy, his brothers - Al Hutchins, Jr. (Alice), Tom Hutchins, & Perry Hutchins (Amelia); his sister - Glenda Richardson - all of Blakely, GA; nieces & nephews: Machelle (Joyce), Allison (Andrea), Trey, Bryson, Jru, Ti'Geronika, Connie, Ebony (Allen), Tara, Shadwanda, Keona, Thadis, Khylin, Sharee, Elijah, Jewell, Avery, Princeton, Gracelynn, Tristan, DejahNa, Ty'Iarra, Jamarien, Whitney, Amina, Mia, & Yonna. His memory is also held dear by his aunts & uncle - Airline Hutchins, Eva McAuley, Myrtice Bowen, Gracie Peterson, & Robert (Margaret) Thornton. Jerome's memory will never fade in the heart's of a host of cousins, military buddies, & friends including Crystal, Arthur, Lamar, Valinda, Sheila, Antonio, Challis, & LaNora.

"King of Battle"