Jalen Paul "J.P." Zerbe, 16, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Monday, July 8, 2024, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held 10 AM, Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Evergreen Cemetery, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Justin McCrimmon officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, from 6 PM until 8 PM, at the funeral home in Fitzgerald.
Jalen was born June 13, 2008, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Butch Zerbe and the late Salah Collins. He was a student and played football for the Purple Hurricanes. Jalen was the life of the party and he enjoyed playing cards. He was very ambitious and was a well-mannered young man.
He is survived by his father, Butch Zerbe & Nikki; siblings: Leiah Zerbe, Willis Zerbe, III and Zoey Scones; grandparents: Tim Sheppard, Peggy & Paul Collins and Elaine Aycock & Eugene; uncles and aunts: Tony Tucker & Kellie, Bonnie Tucker & Todd Lambdin, Anna Leonard & Billy, James Sheppard & Heather and Starla Weaver; cousins: Faith White, James Smith, Ryan Smith, Cody Smith, Nicholas Sheppard, Mayson Sheppard, Jonathan Sutton and Danielle Alexis Daunhauer. Many other family members survive. In addition to his mother, Salah Collins, he was preceded in death by a grandfather, Willis Zerbe, Sr., an aunt, Sharly Collins and a cousin, Christopher Scott Sutton.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.