Gerald Raymond Johnson II was born September 22, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Gerald Raymond Johnson Sr. and Margaret J. Cox Johnson. At an early age his father, mother, two sisters, and himself moved to Chicago, Illinois. The family (including the addition of his youngest sister) later relocated to Flint, Michigan. Gerald attended and graduated from Beecher High School. He was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and later went on to become a Gourmet Chef, cooking for the United States President, the infamous ‘Dream Team,’ as well as others. Gerald was most notably known for his true passion as a Musician, at age 14 his mother bought him his first guitar. He later went on to play in and with countless bands throughout the United States. Singing on stage and tours with The Enchantments, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, and countless others. Patti referred to him as a “singing fool.” He was the lead singer in groups such as ‘The Velvatones’ ‘Bob Millers Almost All-Star Band’ (and many more). Jerry taught himself to play the guitar and was a true vocalist and guitarist. He collected guitars, playing each one and could be heard playing for hours on end, learning countless beautiful songs by ear. Gerald loved, sang, and played various genres of music (including but not limited to) R&B and soul, Country, the Blues, etc. Gerald would sing anything anywhere he could down to commercials, improvising songs for people he just met, as well as devising his own songs. Going on to win a national karaoke competition and competing in an International one. He loved to entertain any soul he could and could release the most genuine smile out of everyone he met. Because of Jerry’s kind soul he never met a Stranger, only friends that he never met before. Gerald fell ill and remained on dialysis for 17 years until God decided to call him home to the heavenly choir early Sunday morning October 29, 2023. He fought a good, long, hard fight. We will miss that heavenly voice, those bright ideas and thoughts, and the laughter he brought to his family, friends, and stranger’s lives. He now shines through each of us with the smile God blessed us with. He leaves to cherish his loving mother, Margaret; his siblings, Karin, Phillis, & Traci; children, Phillip, Raneisha, Naquella, Meah, Gerald III, Danielle, Sabrina, Jayden; nieces and nephews, Tyson, Olivia, Savannah, & Kendal; grandchildren, Seth, Laxia, Phillip II, Jordan, Lauren, Davante, Alecia, Ashley, Austin, Adisyn, Damario, Aleya, Alayla, Daxton, Dylan, Devin, Dallas; great grandchild, Mon’Yarah; uncles & aunts, a host of Cousins and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Sr.; his grandfather, Daniel; his grandmother, Bessie; his grandmother, Vali Rae; grandfathers, Elmer, UD; uncles, Lamar, Stanley, Bobby; brothers in law, Robert (Bob), and Hollis.