On February 20, 1973, the good Lord blessed Brenda Ledbetter with the best birthday present she could receive, a beautiful baby boy she named Jermaine Barnett Ledbetter. Jermaine was always proud of being raised on the south side of Muskogee on Kalamazoo Street. He considered himself a "Creek Boy" since he was raised near Coody Creek.

Jermaine attend Muskogee Public Schools where he continued the Ledbetter tradition of excelling at sports. He played baseball but football would come to be his favorite following in the footsteps of his Uncle Fred and Cousins Jerome and Steve. The love of football continued as an adult as he played semi pro football for the Oklahoma Timberwolves, a team he helped create. The Timberwolves later joined with another team to form the McAlester Bulls.

Jermaine had many hobbies, but rapping and singing music was his passion. His life, family and friends would be the inspiration of his lyrics. Continuing with the love of music, Jermaine would later work for his Uncle, James Harris at KMUS, the first and only African American radio station in Muskogee where his on air personality was the "Rebel Philosopher."

On January 20, 1993, Jermaine was blessed with the birth of his first born son, Jeremiah T. Ledbetter. He later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where he met the woman that would become his soul mate, LaRona Morehead. Through their love for each other, they were blessed with three beautiful children, Jermaine II, Jana'e and Jaden. Jermaine loved his children dearly, he took great pleasure in bragging on their achievements. Jermaine greatly loved his family. That was the most important thing to him. He would make it a mission when he came to Oklahoma to visit as many of his relatives that he possibly could. Even if he wasn't able to see them you could count on a phone call from him just to see how you have been and to chat.

Jermaine never met a stranger. He would welcome one and all over to the house to listen to music or to eat what he had just got off the grill. His heart was huge and he lived his life to the fullest. Jermaine was an excellent counselor to his friends and family, and the children he worked with at the Boys and Girls club in St. Petersburg. No matter the issue, Jermaine would give his advice along with his big booming laugh. He was the true meaning of a friend and a confidant. Jermaine lived his life without regrets. He was larger than life and will be sorely missed.

On January 30, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends, Jermaine departed his earthly vessel to be with the Lord. Welcoming Jermaine at Heaven's door was his son Jeremiah Ty-Heem Ledbetter, his brother Brandon Ledbetter, his Uncle James Harris who he admired dearly, his grandparents and other departed relatives.

Those he leaves to cherish his memory are the love of his life, his mother Brenda Ledbetter. His soul mate, LaRona Morehead. Two sons Jermaine II and Jaden Ledbetter along with one daughter, Jana'e Ledbetter. Two uncles, Dr. Charles (Eva) Ledbetter of Scott Depot, West Virginia and Fred (Joyce) Ledbetter of Muskogee, Oklahoma. One aunt, Judy Ledbetter-Elliott of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Along with many, many, many loving cousins and close friends that will never allow his memory to fade.

The Hour of Tribute will commence on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. in the Timothy Baptist Church, 5530 West Okmulgee in Muskogee. Reverend Don Dumas, Pastor of Dean's Chapel Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Jermaine, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.