Obituary of Edmond William Gerald

Celebration of Life

 A Life to Remember

Edmond William Gerald

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and Eyour minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7

dmond William Gerald returned to his heavenly home on October 3, 2018 at the age of 76. His devotion to his family and his belief in God ultimately gave him peace. Edmond was born on March 20, 1942 to the late Bishop William and Fannie Mae

Gerald in Washington, DC. He attended DC public schools throughout his youth and graduated from Fairmont Heights High School. Ed, a pioneer of Gospel music, started singing in church at an early age. He was also a Minister of Music under the leadership of his father the Bishop William Gerald, Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Annapolis, MD. In 1966, Edmond married his first love Carolyn whom he met a Bibleway Church in Washington D.C. God blessed their union with four children: Spencerita, Edmond Jr, Mark, and Shaena. He loved his children and wife dearly, and always called her by name of endearment "Precious".

Ed had a stellar career in both television and music production. In 1969, he produced “Mr. C Thing," a one-hour Gospel presentation as well as “Harambee” for WTOP-TV. As time went on, his talents became more in demand allowing Ed to create TV jobs for many people. Most notably, Ed was the Executive Producer of long running gospel television show “Spread A Little Sunshine” in Washington, DC from December 1970 to January 1993. The show featured local choirs, groups, soloists, sermonettes by local pastors, interviews, church community news and featured some of the very best in Gospel, including Shirley Caesar, The Brooklyn All-Stars, Rev. James Cleveland, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, a Chinese Gospel group, an African Gospel group, Rev. Ike and Rev. Congressman Walter Fauntroy. The show also featured non-religious acts and pop singers including James Brown, Kim Weston, Charlie Harraway, team chaplain Tom Skinner of the Washington Redskins and “Big” Elvin Hayes of the Washington Bullets who all came for interviews to talk about their early religious backgrounds. Ed made sure to dedicate his shows to the sick and shut- Ins. Ed and his staff also created the Ed Gerald Gospel Showmobile, sponsored by the DC Recreation Department; He also received a grant from the National Capital Parks to present a Gospel Show for six nights at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington DC.

Always one to lend a helping hand, Ed made the effort of bringing “unknown” talented persons to the front, as well as some of the nation’s best. He was hired as a Gospel promoter by the U.S. government for the “Christmas Pageant of Peace” in which he supplied local talent for the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, at the lighting up of the Christmas Tree event. From 1967-1974, Ed was the State Representative for the DC Chapter of the James Cleveland Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc. A spiritual man, Ed even took his gospel music ministry to venues such as the Men’s Detention Center in Lorton, VA in where he provided a worship service for the incarcerated. In 1970, Ed formed a group called “Ed Gerald and the Ed Gerald Sounds” in which Hilton Felder assisted as the music producer. The amazing sounding young people consisted of Jo-Jo, Ronald and Karen Nash along with musicians Bro. Tim Linz (drums), Danny McCrimmon (congos), Don Gillis (bass guitar) and Terence Richberg (lead guitar). The group participated in both The March of Dimesand The 700 Club telethons and also were summoned by Mayor Daley of Chicago to help orchestrate a tribute to the late Mahalia Jackson.

In March 1977, Ed started his own recording agency called “Paradise Productions” where he booked, managed, recorded choirs, groups and soloists such as Rev. Thomas Dorsey, Bro. Ricky Fowler, Norvus Miller, Geraldine Smith and Joe Jackson to name a few. Ed also founded other business in DC area, including Ed's Piano & Organ Rental, Experience Movers & Storage, and Exquisite Limo Service. He always treated each of his employees like family. An avid traveler, Ed went all over the world for the James Cleveland Workshop of America as well as various gospel award shows, music conferences, artists performances, and Christian missions. Ed was always proud of his numerous trips to the continent of Africa.

Ed always wanted gospel music to be recognized and appreciated so that millions could be inspired by the Word of God and the beautiful world of Gospel Music. Edmond is survived by his four children Spencerita Gerald, Edmond Gerald Jr, Mark Gerald, Shaena Flanagan and son-in-law (Lesly Michael Flanagan); his grandchildren Ashlee Bellinger, Kierra Bellinger, Timothy Bellinger Jr, and Shane Michael Flanagan (Shaena); great-grandson Ayden Walls (Ashlee); brothers Deacon Clarence Gerald (Virginia) and Bishop Raymond Gerald and sister-in-law Gloria Edwards (Carolyn). He is preceded in death by his lovely wife Carolyn Gerald, his parents, his brother Elder Frank Gerald. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends to continue his legacy and cherish his memory.