Marcus Jarod Gerald

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.

The spirit of Marcus Jarod Gerald departed his body on January 30,2022 at Medical City General Hospital in Plano, Texas.   Jarod as we affectionately call him was born in Mullins S.C. to the parents of the late Mark Gerald and Diane Bethea Gerald.   He gave his life to Christ as a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  He attended Bible study, served as an usher, sang in the choir and participated where he was needed. 

Jarod loved sports growing up, he was usually the best or one of the best players on any team he played.  He loved basketball and football and played in many leagues in S.C.  Jarod started his basketball journey while playing for his father's AAU team, the Marion County Terminators.  The team and their families would travel the entire East-Coast playing and competing in basketball tournaments.  In their travel, Florida was always Jarod's favorite place to visit.  He anxiously awaited the visit to Disney World and Sea World's Theme park.  Jarod really excelled in basketball. This lead him a starting point guard position on his father's basketball team when he was only in the 8th grade. In 1997, Jarod and his father's team won the 2A State Championship.  Jarod was also invited to many elite basketball camps. The National Nike Camp being one of the largest. He also continued playing football and was excellent on the field as well, he received many accolades from his coaches as well as college coaches started talking about his talent and attributes.  He was a true athlete and excelled against any competitor on the field and court. He received recognition and colleges began to offer scholarships for Jarod to play basketball and football at their college. He graduated from Mullins High School in 2001. While receiving many awards, the highlighted award was being Mr. Basketball of class 2A, a state-wide recognition. His dedication and commitment for basketball lead him to attend a prep school.  He left home and attended Fort Union Military Academy in Virginia on a basketball scholarship. After completing his time there, he decided to further his academic career and showcase his talents by accepting a scholarship to the University Of South Carolina in Columbia, SC to play basketball for the Gamecocks. 

Marcus Jarod Gerald loved his family and friends.  He was always a person with a kind spirit and a smile that would brighten up any room.  He would honestly give the shirt off his back to help and assist anyone.  He always accepted everyone as family with a sense of humor that kept a crowd around him.  His charm, charisma, and overall persona will definitely be missed.  He left us many memories to cherish and foster for the rest of our lives.

Marcus Jarod Gerald is preceded in death by his father, Mark Rodney Gerald; Grandparents Millie Bethea, Leroy Bethea, Maxie Gerald, Elouise Lewis, Charles Rush and Ida Rush.   He leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Diane Bethea Gerald; sister Jessica Gerald and Chasni Gerald; his son Quasheem (Noodle) Gerald and Jonah Gerald, his grandparents Mary Lois Gerald and Alfonso Lewis; aunts and uncles, Gwendolyn (Leon), Lisa Lewis-Brown, Maria Gerald-Troy (Penn), Michael Gerald (Veronica) O'Neil Rush (Martina), Rhonda Bridges, (Glen) Robin Gerald (Alfred Collins), Ronald Lewis (Kimberly), Thomas Bethea, Arthur and Barbara Sanders.  Loving cousins; Dion Bethea, Akima Bethea, Mashaundra Caldwell, Erin Collins, Corneal Rush, Maya Rush, Brandon Mason, Shydirah Vereen, Nicholas Jones, Christopher Lewis, Cameron Rush, Courtney Lewis, Madison Jones, Cheyne Bethea, Lauren Jones, William Troy, Tyler Troy, Demetrius Sanders, Raymond Felton and a host of other relatives and friends.  Ms. Winter Hernandez (Special Friend) mourns his loss.