Harold Mitchell Gerrin the last surviving son of David Jack and Minerva "Tat" Gerrin has left this life and is now living on the other side with God the Father. He was a Natchez, Louisiana boy born and raised. He entered this life on the 29th day of August 1936, a 3rd generation Gerrin born 59 years after Slavery. Harold attended elementary school on the Dunbars Plantation. In New Orleans he was hired by the Higgins Boat Factory to build boats for World War II. He later began work for the Illinois Central Railroad where he retired from there 43 years later. While there, he was instrumental in the lawsuit that forced the hand of the Railroad to pay African Americans fairly and to hire young black men in high wage jobs. The lawsuit lasted 12 years and included 30 black men. Harold was a proud member of the NAACP. He made sure his children understood the value of voting, getting an education and doing your best. Thomas was a faithful member at the Second Highway Baptist Church of Marrero, LA. for 40 plus years until his death. He served as a Deacon, a teacher of Sunday School and Baptist Training Unit (BTU). He leaves a legacy of love and kindness that will forever be embedded in the hearts of the many loved ones that are left to celebrate his life. Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Ophelia Scott Gerrin; his eldest daughter, Ruby Gerrin "Becker" Beckum, and youngest son Marvin Michelle Gerrin Sr.; grandchildren, Pamela, Kermit, and Keshell Washington, Alton Coats, and Brian Keith Gerrin; son-in-law, T. J. "Becker" Beckum; his parents, David Jack Hawkins and Minerva Davis Gerrin; 7 siblings, John, Albert, David, James, Willie, Leonard, and Doll Hawkins. He leaves to cherish his memories, his 11 children, Thelma Washington (George) Claudette Autrey, Harold Jr., (Dorothy), Alton T.C. (Idessa), Kirby (Doris), Ronald (Iris) of San Antonio, TX, Debra Johnson (Kenneth), Carmen Walters Ph.D. (Wayne), Jarvis (Vera) of Houston, TX, James (Elaine), Angela Horne (Shanan) Houston, TX. He also leaves his beloved 27 grandchildren such as the oldest Terry Mcmurtry, Tajh Mcmurtry, Samuel Mcmurtry and etc. 57 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Devoted Nephews John Scott of Washington, D.C. and Charles Bass, Jr. of Natchez Mississippi. Two Sisters; Elouise Mae Bass of Natchez, Mississippi and Ruby Whiting of Chicago, Illinois; three Sisters-in-Law, Celeste Ruth, Dolores Scott, and Melvina Scott. A devoted friend, Deacon John Jones, Neighborhood sons; Vernal Smith Sr., and Javon "Jay" Harris. Services will be held Jan. 28, 2 PM, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, GA. Visitation prior to the service at 12:00 PM.
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