KENNETH JEROME LOCKE

Kenneth Jerome Locke of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Atrium University Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was born December 14, 1953, in Buffalo, New York to Charles W. Locke, Sr. and Jessie Butler Locke. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles W. Locke, Jr. and his father, Pastor Charles W. Locke Sr.

Kenneth graduated from South Park High School in Buffalo, New York where he excelled at football. After graduation from high school, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to further his education at Johnson C. Smith. Kenneth graduated from Johnson C. Smith, with the class of 1974 and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. While at Johnson C. Smith University, he Pledged "Omega Psi Phi" Fraternity, Inc. Rho Chapter. He was very active on campus and with his fraternity and served as Basileus (President) of Rho Chapter and was a member the Essence of Life Group which was a very talented band made up primarily of Johnson C. Smith University students.

Kenneth was employed at Mecklenburg County Pretrial Services in Charlotte, North Carolina for thirty years. While employed he served as the Jail Supervisor and later was promoted to Assistant Director.

Kenneth joined Greater Providence Baptist Church approximately 32 years ago. He was an active member until his health prevented him from continuing. He faithfully served on the Trustee Ministry team responsible for counting the Sunday offering. He is fondly remembered as a quiet and gentle person, who lived a life that demonstrated great faith in God and love for his family. Kenneth was a member of the Church Choir. He blessed Greater Providence Baptist

Church with his beautiful voice, as he sang many years on the Church Choir. At various times he served as choir president and vice-president. Two of the congregation's favorite songs he led were, "I am a Living Testimony" and "God Is." Kenneth worked as the Greater Providence Basketball League Coordinator since the birth of the league in 2009. He opened and closed the gym for each practice daily except for Wednesdays and Sundays. He opened and set up the gym for each game on Saturdays. He also made sure that the gym was cleaned, floors and backboards were always cleaned. To help promote the league, he would also go from door to door passing out flyers. Kenneth mentored the young men and women that played in the league.

Kenneth J. Locke leaves to mourn: his beloved wife of forty-two years, Brinda Gavin Locke, of the home; his mother, Jessie Butler Locke of Spartanburg, SC; Three children, one son, Justin Kenneth Locke; two daughters, BreLinda Janae' Locke and Jessica Pearline Locke. Four grandchildren which were the "apple of his eye": one granddaughter, Samiya Janae' Locke; three grandsons, Ahmad Kenneth Locke-Pearce; Jamir' Kenneth Hill-Locke; and Teal Royal Jackson. He is survived by his father-in law, Clinton Lee Gavin, sister-in law, Linda Gavin Thompson, Myra Gavin and Gloria Locke. His brother-in-law, Samuel Thompson. Also, he is survived by his uncle, Henry (Audrey) Locke of Chicago, IL and his aunt, Velma Hiler of Rochester, New York. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.