Obituary for GERALD EDWARD HUTCHINS
Gerald Edward Hutchins was born on Saturday, October 8, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Lois) James Hutchins. He was the oldest of two born from this union. Gerald was preceded in death by sister, Barbara Jean Holmes, in 1978; adopted daughters, Toni Cross Hutchins, in 1980 and Terri Cross Hutchins, in 2006; and grandson, Alfred Darrell Harper Jr., in 2017.
Gerald, age 88, passed from complications of Coronavirus on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. He died peacefully as Geralyn, his only daughter, held his hand while singing hymns and Alexus, his great granddaughter, sat at his bedside, as they watched him take his last breath.
Gerald received Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Affectionately known as Hutch, Gerald was Vice President in his senior year and was a graduate of Miller High School in 1952. He distinguished himself as “counted to be one of the strong men” excelling in basketball and football. He was lettered in both sports. Living in Detroit’s east side “Black Bottom” was arduous, yet he overcame. During a season of growing pains, he was notorious but out of those ashes, the Hand of God marched Hutch’s life onto the pathway of some college at Kentucky State, in Lexington, Kentucky and Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan. Gerald was a very handsome and popular young man. He received an Associate Degree in Arts at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri in 1977 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of West Florida in 1989. Hutch was highly recognized by fellow collegians and administration.
Gerald was united in holy matrimony to Miss Melissa Frances Jackson. One daughter, Geralyn Vanessa Hutchins, was born from this union. He later married Leatha M. Cross of Detroit, Michigan and adopted her two nieces and one nephew.
Hutch learned to play chess and loved the game. His God-given anointing of discernment made him a champion in every sport activity he pursued. He was an outgoing and personable person. His loyalty to family and friends built his character and strength as he sojourned in this world. Gerald was a mighty man of valor. Remembering the earlier days in Detroit, the Brewster Center was the place to be during summer season. Basketball was a highlight for the stars and sometimes, he was one of the headliners drawing big crowds. Fun like no other, what great teams they had. These were unforgettable times. Over the years, he remained close with many of his childhood friends. He took time with young people and shared his experiences. He had the personality that they felt comfortable with and both reciprocated willingly. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Hutch.
Gerald faithfully served his country by participating in the Armed Forces from 1964 to 1985. He was honorably discharged, ranked Sergeant First Class, receiving numerous medals and ribbons while extensively touring abroad and throughout the United States. He was an active participant in various sports e.g., basketball, football, baseball, and sporting events, e.g., referee games and coaching teams. He demonstrated leadership and upheld integrity with excellence. While in the Armed Forces, his employment started in the logistics field as an instructor, after attending the Defense Race Relations Institute at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. After retiring from the Armed Forces, his employment ended as a training instructor at the Private Industry Council in Pensacola, Florida, 1989.
UNITED STATES ARMY MEDALS
• Army Commendation
• Good Conduct Medal, 8th award
• Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars
• NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960)
• Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar
• The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation
PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH AWARDS INCLUDE
Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, DC
• Certificate of Excellence as a Counselor & in Leadership, 1984
• Certificate of Appreciation of the “Afro American History Programs”
Private Industry Council of Escambia, Inc., Pensacola, Florida
• 1991 Staff of the Year Honorable Mention
• 1992 Staff of the Year Standard of Excellence and Leadership
Throughout the Year
OTHER AWARDS & HONORS
• United States Army Award Spirit, Dedication, and Contributions
• Miller High School Basketball Sports Hall of Fame, 2008
Toward his later years of marriage, Gerald’s wife, Leatha, became ill. After her passing, he resided at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC. Afterwards, Gerald’s health began to decline in which challenges arose causing life difficulties. In 2008, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio and resided with his daughter, Geralyn. Through the faithfulness of God and prayers of the saints, Gerald regained his strength and well-being. A valiant conqueror indeed until the virus but even then, and for the remainder of his life.
He leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Geralyn (Donald) Cunningham; one son, Gregory (Ramona) Cross Hutchins; granddaughter, Kenya (Burgess) Cleopatra Burrell; grandson, Andrew Grasty; great grandson, Avonté Copeland; great granddaughters, Alexus and Alana.
Gerald, age 88, passed from complications of Coronavirus on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. He died peacefully as Geralyn, his only daughter, held his hand while singing hymns and Alexus, his great granddaughter, sat at his bedside, as they watched him take his last breath.
Gerald received Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Affectionately known as Hutch, Gerald was Vice President in his senior year and was a graduate of Miller High School in 1952. He distinguished himself as “counted to be one of the strong men” excelling in basketball and football. He was lettered in both sports. Living in Detroit’s east side “Black Bottom” was arduous, yet he overcame. During a season of growing pains, he was notorious but out of those ashes, the Hand of God marched Hutch’s life onto the pathway of some college at Kentucky State, in Lexington, Kentucky and Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan. Gerald was a very handsome and popular young man. He received an Associate Degree in Arts at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri in 1977 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of West Florida in 1989. Hutch was highly recognized by fellow collegians and administration.
Gerald was united in holy matrimony to Miss Melissa Frances Jackson. One daughter, Geralyn Vanessa Hutchins, was born from this union. He later married Leatha M. Cross of Detroit, Michigan and adopted her two nieces and one nephew.
Hutch learned to play chess and loved the game. His God-given anointing of discernment made him a champion in every sport activity he pursued. He was an outgoing and personable person. His loyalty to family and friends built his character and strength as he sojourned in this world. Gerald was a mighty man of valor. Remembering the earlier days in Detroit, the Brewster Center was the place to be during summer season. Basketball was a highlight for the stars and sometimes, he was one of the headliners drawing big crowds. Fun like no other, what great teams they had. These were unforgettable times. Over the years, he remained close with many of his childhood friends. He took time with young people and shared his experiences. He had the personality that they felt comfortable with and both reciprocated willingly. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Hutch.
Gerald faithfully served his country by participating in the Armed Forces from 1964 to 1985. He was honorably discharged, ranked Sergeant First Class, receiving numerous medals and ribbons while extensively touring abroad and throughout the United States. He was an active participant in various sports e.g., basketball, football, baseball, and sporting events, e.g., referee games and coaching teams. He demonstrated leadership and upheld integrity with excellence. While in the Armed Forces, his employment started in the logistics field as an instructor, after attending the Defense Race Relations Institute at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. After retiring from the Armed Forces, his employment ended as a training instructor at the Private Industry Council in Pensacola, Florida, 1989.
UNITED STATES ARMY MEDALS
• Army Commendation
• Good Conduct Medal, 8th award
• Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars
• NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 2
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960)
• Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar
• The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation
PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT WITH AWARDS INCLUDE
Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, DC
• Certificate of Excellence as a Counselor & in Leadership, 1984
• Certificate of Appreciation of the “Afro American History Programs”
Private Industry Council of Escambia, Inc., Pensacola, Florida
• 1991 Staff of the Year Honorable Mention
• 1992 Staff of the Year Standard of Excellence and Leadership
Throughout the Year
OTHER AWARDS & HONORS
• United States Army Award Spirit, Dedication, and Contributions
• Miller High School Basketball Sports Hall of Fame, 2008
Toward his later years of marriage, Gerald’s wife, Leatha, became ill. After her passing, he resided at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC. Afterwards, Gerald’s health began to decline in which challenges arose causing life difficulties. In 2008, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio and resided with his daughter, Geralyn. Through the faithfulness of God and prayers of the saints, Gerald regained his strength and well-being. A valiant conqueror indeed until the virus but even then, and for the remainder of his life.
He leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Geralyn (Donald) Cunningham; one son, Gregory (Ramona) Cross Hutchins; granddaughter, Kenya (Burgess) Cleopatra Burrell; grandson, Andrew Grasty; great grandson, Avonté Copeland; great granddaughters, Alexus and Alana.