Gerald Sistrunk

Gerald Simuel Sistrunk was born to the late Corine (Fells) and Otis Sistrunk on April 18, 1967, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He departed this life at his home on August 11, 2021, at age 54 following a brief illness.

In 1978, Gerald and his family relocated to Benton Harbor where he lived most of his life. He was a 1985 graduate of Benton Harbor High School and joined the Army soon after graduating. 

Gerald knew the Lord and was baptized at New Paradise Baptist Church. Over the years, he visited many churches throughout the city but felt most at home at Progressive Baptist Church.

Gerald worked as a laborer in several manufacturing facilities but was longest employed working for his brother at Classic Craig’s Auto Repair. He was also known throughout the community as someone who loved doing odd jobs and helped many people around their houses or yards.

Gerald was a soft-hearted and kind man who loved people and would give his very last to help someone in need. Over the years many family and friends, whom he affectionately called “Leroy,” received calls from him in the wee hours of the night because he was thinking of you or just wanted to check in. 

Gerald had a creative spirit that could be seen in his early drawings and his knack for decorating and rearranging his furniture which he did weekly. He loved taking pictures, spending time with family and friends, watching WWE and ESPN. Gerald was also a big fan of CSI and loved entertaining while playing cards. He never complained, and even while facing serious illness, he remained positive.

Gerald was preceded in death by his mother, sister Claudette Fells, and half-brother Anthony Scott. He is survived by his father, children Azaria Sistrunk of Indiana, twins Robin and Randy Windmon of Florida, his twin brother Jeffery (Barbara) Sistrunk, and brother Dennis (Laquita Crowder) Fells, all of Benton Harbor, half-brothers, Otis Jr. of Virginia and Tim (Rikal) Ford of Texas; half-sister Tessa (Melvin) Gregory of Virginia, step-sister Patricia Jackson of Georgia; granddaughter Sanii Shields; nieces and nephews, Tiffany Winston, Kistra Fells, Jennifer Callahan, Deonta Phillips, Dontrell Fells, Tiffany South, Damarious Woods, Dennis Fells Jr. and a host of great-nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Gerald was greatly loved and will be missed by many with whom he shared his famous saying, “eat beans!”

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