Watson Gerrald Burris

Gerrald was born the nineth child of ten on October 15, 1937, to Hobart Burris and Beatrice Pritchard Burris of Los Angeles, California. Gerrald went to school in Los Angeles then relocated to Bakersfield for High School. In Los Angeles, Gerrald met Myrtle Vaughn and from their relationship brought forth Gerald W. Burris, Jr (Jerry) and Renee E. Burris Wyatt. After moving to Bakersfield, Gerrald met his future wife Octavia Vines while working in the potato fields. Gerrald and Octavia would later meet again in Los Angeles and get married in 1958. They were married for 30 years. From their union they brought forth three children Darrell Cooper, Hobart June, and Norma Louise. The Burris’ also opened their home to their niece, Helen Elaine.

Gerald had a love and a passion for creating with his hands and he started his career in fabrication. He worked at L & S Lighting and Weber’s Aircraft as an Operations Manager and Union Rep. In 1961, Gerald and Octavia purchased their first home in Pacoima, and he passionately built additions and major improvements to their home. He was inspired by his love for building to build a home from the ground up in Lakeview Terrace. With the love and support of Octavia, his brother Hobert and his children he was able to make this a reality in 1980.

Gerrald knew Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age and rededicated his life to Jesus in 1986. He was an active member of the Baptist Church, committing to tell others about the love of Christ in whatever city he resided. Gerrald would travel by car, bus, or walk to meet people along the way and find a way to make them laugh or smile and give them a track about Jesus.

Gerrald was preceded in death by his parents, Hobart Burris and Beatrice Pritchard Burris, his loving ex-wife of 30 years Octavia Vines Burris, his son Gerald W. Burris, Jr, his brothers James, Franklin, Hobert, Billy, Robert, his sisters Katrina Collins, Annie Mae Simmons and grandchildren Hobart Burris, Antoine Robinson, and Kenneth G. Burris.

Gerrald leaves to celebrate his life, Children: Renee E Wyatt, Darrell C (Faye) Burris, Hobart J. (Gidgette) Burris, Norma L. (Matthew) Darling. Grandchildren: Armond Burris, Kasheena Burris, Melissa Burris, Kyisha Burris, Ryan Burris, Brandy Johnson, Christian Broussard, Christopher Turner, Zion Turner, Brittany Wyatt, Joseph D. Burris, Tyrone A. Burris, Tenasha Burris, Darrell C. Burris, II, Octavia Porsha Burris, Chelsea Burris, Mercedes Burris, Tever Burris, Michael A. Malcolm, Ariana L. Myles, Amber Burris, Hobart J. Burris, IV, Trivana L. Burris, Gerel O. Burris, Trinity M. Darling, and Isaiah D. Darling. Great Grandchildren: Akila Burris, Selah Burris, Anai Burris, Elijah Wimberly, Olivia Raynor, Ariana Young, Merion Davis, Sophronia Davis, Aajene Robinson, Andrew Robinson, Jaden Robinson, Zion Turner, Jr., Leila Turner, Amaya Turner, Angel Turner, Courtney Burris, Brandon A. Burris, Mariah Burris, Kalin Burris, Julian Burris, Ethan Burris, Kieana R. Burris, Kaylani Donastrog, Askale Paniagua, Kairi Paniagua, Avriel del Toro, Fabian Del Toro, Donte Malcolm, Madison Stocker, Mallory Roberts, Winter Walker, Willow Walker, Mariah Burris, Jordon Burris. Audreyelle M Broussard, Arielle R Broussard, Taylor Broussard. Great Great Grandchildren: Athena Derby, Keenen Derby and Asura Derby. He also leaves behind to celebrate a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.