Gerald Everett Harris, a former law enforcement officer and ordained minister in the Church of God in Christ, passed away in March 2025.

Gerald Everett Harris, a devoted servant of God and his community, was born on September 27, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in Madera, a small town near Fresno, Gerald displayed early gifts of leadership, oration, music, and wisdom, which shaped his path of service to God and His people. His commitment to the Church, school, and community was evident from a young age.

During his high school years, Gerald organized the Afro-American Club and held the position of Public Prosecutor on the Student Council. He was also a member of the Student Legislature, Drama Club, and Varsity Wrestling Team. His community involvement included serving on the Drug Committee and representing youth and children at the Governor’s Conference. Gerald’s dedication was recognized with the Ford Foundation Scholarship, which enabled him to attend California State University Fresno, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and Criminal Justice. He began his law enforcement career at Fresno City College and California State University of Fresno as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Gerald’s call to ministry emerged early under the guidance of Pastor Andrew L. Brown of Grace Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Fairmead, California. In January 1975, he was ordained by the late Bishop S.R. Martin, Jurisdictional Prelate of California Northwest. His pastoral development and training were overseen by Superintendent W.M. Peterson of White Rose Church of God in Christ in Stockton, California, where he served as Youth Pastor and Musician.

A career assignment moved Elder Harris to the Bay Area, where he continued his post-graduate education at Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Mill Valley and attended Hamilton Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Francisco. Under the guidance of Pastor James Langston, his administrative skills were cultivated and refined. He returned to White Rose Church of God in Christ in Stockton, California, to serve as Business Administrator and Assistant Pastor to Superintendent W.M. Peterson.

During these years, Elder Harris’s commitment to service extended into various capacities for the California Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He served as Vice President of the State Evangelism Department in 1977 under the leadership of the late Superintendent A.C. Macklin. In 1985, he became Senior and Regional Vice President of the State Youth Department. His dedication to the church and community reflected a life of service and leadership, rooted in faith and purpose.

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