Damon Winston Folkes

Damon Winston Folkes, 75, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2026, in Wellington, Florida, following a brief illness.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Damon dedicated his life to education, mentorship, and community service. At the age of 18, he began his career as a teacher after graduating from the University of the West Indies at Mico Teacher Training College. A passionate educator, he specialized in History, while also teaching Social Studies, Geography, and Bible Studies.

Damon’s commitment and leadership led to his appointment as Assistant Principal of his beloved Haile Selassie Junior Secondary School. He also served as Head of the Physical Education Department, where he trained and inspired students in Track and Field, Football, and Cricket. Beyond the classroom, he was deeply involved in community development, organizing and supporting various sporting activities, including boxing, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

After emigrating to the United States, Damon continued his life of service. He was employed by the Cincinnati Job Corps for several years before relocating to Palm Beach County, Florida. There, he worked with the Children’s Home Society and later dedicated 25 years of service to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners at the High Ridge Family Development Center in West Palm Beach, where he served as a counselor until his passing.

Damon will be fondly remembered for his quiet, fun-loving nature and the joy he brought to those around him. He loved to dance and could often be found on the dance floor all night. He possessed a melodious singing voice—one he kept as a cherished “secret,” shared only with his wife and the Lord. A gifted cook, he delighted his family with his famous jerk pork and other delicious meals that brought everyone together.

He was also known for his subtle sense of humor, often delivering his trademark “under-the-radar” trash talk with a smile. In a way that set him apart, Damon was never late for any appointment—a rare and admirable trait—and remarkably, he never needed an alarm.

Damon leaves to mourn his loving wife, Joan—his other half of “The Old Folkes”; daughter Keisha; grandchildren Jalyssa and Jalina; his siblings Errol, Beryl (Peggy), Christine, and Michael Lozanne (Bibbi); several nieces, grandnieces, nephews, and grandnephews; along with cousins, uncles, and aunts. He is also lovingly remembered by his childhood family friends George and Loretta Nairne, Eric and Gloria Williams and family, numerous brothers-in-law, a host of family friends and former co-workers whose lives he touched deeply and Faithful friends to him and his wife Pastor Denelvi Ashton & Family(NJ). Damon was predeceased by His Parents Vivian and Henrietta Folkes, Siblings Janet Folkes-Spence, Brother Donald & Son Kenneth

Damon will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to youth, his passion for teaching, and his deep commitment to uplifting his community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his guidance, mentorship, and care.

PLUGGY, you will be missed and never forgotten. You fought a good fight, you have finished the race. Rest in peace, and may God’s eternal light shine upon you evermore.