Jerry Lee Oliver

Jerry Lee Oliver was born on April 13, 1966, at Harbor General Hospital (now Harbor–UCLA Medical Center) in Carson, California, to his parents, Florine Oliver and Jewel Lee Oliver. He was the third of five children. His siblings include Larry Lewellyn, Judy Oliver, Linda Abbott, and Tonya Boyd.

Jerry attended 102nd Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, Walton Middle School in Compton, and Curtis Middle School in Carson. He briefly attended Compton High School before transferring to Centennial High School, where he completed his studies by earning his GED. Throughout his academic years, Jerry excelled in magnet and honors programs, including participation in a magnet program in Northridge. His natural intelligence and strong work ethic were evident from an early age.

Lifelong Friendships

Jerry had more than one circle of friends — he had family in friendship. His Compton crew included Oliver (deceased), Westley, John, Curtis, Darrel, Theon, Junebug, George Britt, George Robinson, Eric, Alonzo, Marty, Hugo, Darcel, Joslyn and Denise (deceased), Tonya (John’s sister and many others. Together they rode bikes to the beach, danced, sang, and enjoyed 18-and-over clubs like Club Metro in Riverside. Jerry was always sharp — not one hair ever out of place. On one unforgettable night, after driving all the way to Riverside, he forgot his ID and had to sit in the car while everyone else danced — a story that still brings laughter today.

Jerry also danced backup for Junebug who rapped in Compton neighborhood group Show Case Poppers. Stories say they even went to audition for The Gong Show — whether they made it on stage remains a fun mystery still debated today.

In Los Angeles, his Brighton Avenue friends became lifelong brothers and sisters. Summers spent at his father’s home meant Friday and Saturday nights sitting in the back of his father’s truck, laughing and making memories. Friends like Eddie White, Warren “Weerock” Tyler, Demarcus E. Grate (Annette), Edward Mouton, Kearn (deceased), Kemo, Teri (deceased), Lynne, Letty, Mehret, and many more remained close throughout his life.

On one occasion he gave his friend Warren Tyler a ride to an audition and Jerry’s acting skills landed him a part in the movie Why Do Fools Fall in Love with Vivica Fox, Lela Rochon, Halle Berry, and Larenz Tate.

Work Ethic and Career Excellence

Jerry began working at a young age in his father’s construction company. Under the firm guidance of his father, Jewel Oliver, he learned discipline, responsibility, and the value of hard work while helping manage apartment buildings. He could fix almost anything — in a home or under the hood of a car. Friends knew him as dependable, resourceful, and always willing to help.

He launched his aerospace career at McDonnell Douglas, where his exceptional mathematical ability and problem-solving skills quickly distinguished him. Through dedication and determination, he rose through the ranks and later became a respected Frontline Manager at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in El Segundo, California. Known as a results-driven leader, Jerry helped build aircraft in record time through strategic planning and precision. While his high standards made him formidable, colleagues deeply respected his commitment to excellence.

During a break from aerospace, Jerry served as Office Manager at the Law Office of Larry Lewellyn, his brother’s law firm. It was there that he met the love of his life, “Tammy” Kemp.

A Love Story

Tammy worked as the receptionist and was the first person Jerry saw each morning. Jerry maintained immaculate physical shape through daily workouts, while Tammy balanced work with dancing in various senior dance companys. She was intrigued by his quiet, reserved demeanor and undeniable handsomeness.

They soon discovered a shared love of music and dance. Jerry was an exceptional dancer/pop-locker who could groove with the best. Encouraged by Tammy’s friend Rosa Marquez — who told Jerry, “She really likes you” — their love story began. Affectionately known as “Black Ken and Barbie” and later “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” they were inseparable. They officially began dating but kept their relationship private until leaving the law firm in 1999 to pursue careers in aerospace.

In October 2005, Jerry privately proposed on a cruise to Mexico, and Tammy happily accepted. His cousin Sherry and Woody witnessed the proposal. (Special thanks to the De’Shaun Harris who helped him select the princess-cut diamond she always wanted.)

They loved the same cars, clothing styles, music, and shared a relentless drive for success. Their hearts were in sync, beating as one, until God called him home.

Passions and Personality

Jerry embraced life fully. He loved movies, traveling, boating, biking, dancing, singing, sunsets, and exploring real estate investments. He appreciated fine dining and a wide range of cuisine — soul food, barbecue, Pho, Mexican, Peruvian, Thai, and Chinese.

His favorites included Louisiana and Popeyes fried chicken, shrimp fried rice (no peas and carrots), pastrami sandwiches, chili cheese fries from Lucky Boys in Pasadena, and blackened salmon over Caesar salad at Wood Ranch. An exceptional cook, Jerry was known for his gumbo, fried fish, and signature holiday ham.

Later in life, Jerry rekindled his love for sports. He enjoyed attending Los Angeles Clippers games and UCLA Bruins football and basketball games, often with tickets gifted by Billy Banks. He proudly supported his nephew Noah Abbott during his football career at Saint Monica Catholic High School while Noah balanced athletics and acting. Jerry also cheered on Saint Anthony High School basketball under the leadership of his cousin, Coach Alan Mitchell, and enthusiastically supported Christian Collins, Class of 2026 at Saint John Bosco High School, recognizing exceptional talent whenever he saw it.

Jerry mentored his God Daughter Dominique Larue and convinced her she could work in comedy. She now aires regularly on the Quake’s House on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio Show – Sirius Radio, and it is hosted by comedian Earthquake (Nathaniel Stroman). Another friend Jerry also mentored Gerard Jackson a co-worker from aerospace. He talked about how starting a owner operator trucking company was a lucrative business that could set you apart from the rest. It was tough but Gerard now has his own trucking company Six Figures and Jerry was very proud of his accomplishments. He leaves his Vietnamese Godson, who he is very proud of. His parents are Katie and Tuan Nguyen, a very close aerospace friend.

Family and friends meant everything to Jerry. He maintained strong bonds with friends from Watts, Compton, and Los Angeles — both old and new. If he came to your house, he was often the last to leave, and if you could cook, he never left without a plate to go. Jerry also developed relationships with Tammy’s friends as well and has an inseparable bond. He and Tammy spend holidays with her family with her Dad’s family Thomas Kemp deceased until 2023, Jerry’s immediate family in Los Angeles, Kirk & Shirley in Corona and Aunt Delores, Danielle, Art (deceased) Evevlyn, Anthony and Justin (deceased) in San Diego, CA. He believed deeply in resolving disagreements with integrity and character. He was an advocate for unity, always encouraging his family to remain connected and strong. His relationships were built on honesty, loyalty, and unconditional love.

Legacy

Jerry was a visionary with entrepreneurial dreams. He aspired to expand his real estate investments, launch an owner-operator trucking company, and establish a security business. His drive to build wealth and create opportunity for others, which is reflected his forward-thinking mindset and determination to leave a lasting legacy. Jerry’s legacy is one of leadership, protection, vision, and devotion. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love and lessons will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memory his life partner, Tamara Kemp; his brother, Larry Lewellyn (wife Donna). His sisters, Judy Oliver, Linda Abbott ( husband Chris), and Tonya Boyd. Sister-in-law, Brigitte Kemp along with a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Florine Oliver, Jewel Lee Oliver (wife Sarah) and Joe Boyd.

Brothers: Junior Oliver, Jewel Oliver, Otis Oliver, Patrick Oliver

Sister: Cynthia Oliver

Dearest Aunts, Uncles, niece, cousins, family and friends.

To My Husband, the Love of My Life

I never met someone like you

Your love is so pure, so true

You brought color in my world

You opened up my eyes

I swear that nobody can make me feel like you and I

You’re mine

You feel like a breeze on a summer night

When I’m with you everything just feels right

I always knew that I love you

I love you, I love you, I love you

I love you, I love you, I do

You change my world

What was life without you in it?

I just want to love you every second, every minute

You complete me, I never leave your side

I swear that nobody can make me feel like you and I

You’re mine

With all my heart,

Tammy

I Love You

By Coline Creuzot