Gerald Hemingway, Jr.

Life's Epitome 

Rev. Gerald Hemingway Jr. was born on December 21, 1976 in Oakland, CA - the coldest day of the year as he would say. He was the only son of Rev. Dr and Mrs. Gerald Hemingway Sr. Their son accepted Christ in the winter of 1986 at Progressive Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, CA. under the leadership of his father. Gerald worked in multiple areas of the church his entire life. His servant leadership was cultivated from an early age. He served in music and educational workshops in the Bay Area as he traveled with his father. Gerald was an athlete. His favorite teams were the 49ers, the Oakland As, the Golden State Warriors after formally being a Chicago Bulls fan. He played baseball, basketball, and soccer. His passion was basketball although he was affectionately referred to as "Homerun Hemingway" on the baseball diamond. Gerald graduated from North Hills Christian School in 1995 and was accepted into Sacramento State University. 

He met his wife, "Lady", Natalie of 25 years on May 7, 1996. They were united in holy matrimony on May 20, 2006. This fruitful union was blessed with 2 daughters and 3 sons. Gerald joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in November 2008. Gerald's spiritual maturity was flourishing as he grew stronger in his word. He worked excitedly on programs and fundraisers for his church family. He took part in creating and assisting in walk - a - thons, Black Heritage programs, and loved teaching Sunday School. Gerald could always be seen smiling from his designated position at the barbecue pit during the church picnics. In November 2009, Rev. Gerald Hemingway Jr professed he had picked up the phone. He answered his calling to preach God's word at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond CA under the leadership of Pastor Leroy Holland Jr. 

Rev. Hemingway transitioned to his heavenly home on November 28, 2021. Gerald was employed with Kaiser Permanente for 19 years. He had 3 different positions over the course of his career. His work on various committees and the SEIU Executive Board fulfilled his innate desire to help people. Gerald was known for having a little knowledge about everything, sharing stories, and anecdotes to make you either smile or ponder. Always standing firm in his faith under worldly circumstances. Gerald has a God given gift when he puts pen or pencil to paper whether whether music or creating ideas from his intelligent mind. Gerald is a prominent “and a” candidate! He's a husband, a father, a preacher, a percussionist, a pianist, a writer, a illustrator, a grill master, a coach, a multidisplinary artist , and a teacher, and so much more. His charisma was infectious just as the million dollar smile he famously wore. 

Gerald and Natalie built a life together in Sacramento for 17 years. Enjoying local travel and being in service to the Lord together. Gerald's love for family permeated through the way he parented his children. Always present. A firm yet gentle way of ensuring order would be at the forefront. He enjoyed making his children laugh with his dad jokes and riddles. Gerald would recite Philippians 4:13 with each of them before they went to school because it was important to him that his children grew up in the knowledge of the Lord. There was no moment he was more proud of than sitting court side at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Mecca during his eldest daughter's senior night. Cheering on and encouraging all his children to do their best and to always keep God first. 

Rev. Gerald Hemingway, Jr. was preceded in death by James T. Hemingway (his grandfather), Ethel Nunley Harris (his grandmother), MaryAnn Dew-Johnson (his grandmother), Lorene Brown ( his dearing godmother ), Trinity Cummings ( his beautiful niece ), & Devin Johnson (his godson). 

The revered Rev. Gerald Hemingway Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, "Lady", Natalie Holland - Hemingway. He leaves his adoring children: N'yalisa Hemingway (then 23), Gideon Hemingway (then 12), Langston Hemingway (then 11), Mason Hemingway (then 8), and Ariyah Hemingway (then 5). His loving & gracious parents, Rev. Dr. Gerald Hemingway Sr. and Katherine Hemingway. His parents in love, Pastor Leroy Holland Jr. and First Lady Deborah Holland. His dear and only sister, Kizmath Hemingway and her newborn daughter, Olivia Smith. His only brother in love, Leroy Holland III. His niece, Jocelyn Holland. His Aunt Cimmie Louis - Jackson and a host of God-siblings, cousins, family and friends who all loved him.

Forever in our hearts and a glimmer in our memories. He will be deeply missed.