Retired Judge Jacob Gillens

Jacob Gillens, Sr., 71 passed away on Friday, May 29, 2021, in Orangeburg, SC.

Jacob was born in Orangeburg County and was the son of the late George, II and Evelyn Broughton Gillens. He was preceded in death by his brother John Gillens of Eutawville, SC. At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined Unity Baptist Church where he served as a member of the Trustee Board for over forty years, served as a member of the finance committee, and served as a choir member for many years.  

He attended the Orangeburg County Schools and graduated from Roberts High School in 1966 at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, Jacob joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War and upon his return, became a member of the Army Reserve. Jacob later attended South Carolina State University and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, a Masters degree in Elementary Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration.  He began his professional career as an educator in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Three schools where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Jacob also worked in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five as an assistant principal and principal until his retirement. In 1985, Jacob was appointed as a magistrate for the Eastern Region of Orangeburg County, and he served in this capacity faithfully until his retirement in June of 2020. Jacob also served as a Family Health Center Board of Directors member for many years and is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

In 1969, he was joined in holy matrimony to Carolyn Myers, and to this union, four children were born. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 51 years, his children: Corin (Shana) Gillens of Charleston, SC, Lana (Thomas) Williams of Orangeburg, SC, Jacob Gillens, Jr. of Eutawville, SC, and Bradford (Ruquiyah) Gillens of Orlando, FL; two additional children in the home: Kioina Myers of Rock Hill, SC, and John Singleton, Jr. of Cross, SC; bonus children: Damon (Brenda) Stinger and Michelle Larrymore; 11 grandchildren: Corin Jr., Kiana, Ebony, Kahrin, Ella, Jakaila, Thomas, II, Kameron, Donovan, Deborah, and Jeremiah; siblings: Mary Lee (Peter) Simmons of Queens, NY, George (Gerald) Gillens, Nathaniel Gillens, Stanley (Emily) Gillens all of Eutawville, SC, Earnest (Gertrude) Gillens and Georgia Gillens of Columbia, SC, Jonathan (Michelle) Gillens of Waldolf, Maryland, Stormey (Jenaris) Gillens of Florence, SC, Regina Gillens of Severn, Maryland, and Loretta (Ronald Williams) Gillens of Hempstead, NY; mother-in-law, Martha Myers of Ridgeville, SC; brother-in-law, Herman (Emily) Myers of Ridgeville, SC, sisters-in-law, Eliza (Herbert) Jones of Fort Washington, MD, Javanne (Charlie) President, SC and Rose Myers both from Ridgeville, SC. He also leaves to cherish his fond memories of his godchildren: Jerome Middleton, Devry Gillens, Javette Middleton, and Harry Middleton, Jr. as well as three aunts and an uncle; Elouise and Avon Gillens, Emma Broughton, and Wendell Larrymore; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.      

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