Gerald M Pippens

Gerald Michael Pippens was born November 12, 1955 in Birmingham (Oxmoor), Alabama to the union of William Leslie Pippens and Catherine (Webb) Pippens. He was their youngest son. He moved into eternity on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

Gerald’s education was attained through the Birmingham and Pittsburgh public school systems; and he graduate from Vestavia Hills High School, Vestavia, Alabama. He further continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Gerald loved people and had the unique ability to bring people together, prioritizing people over things. He believed in the greater good and in standing up to make a difference, and he used his time, talents, and resources to support those values. Gerald was always ready to help; whether he knew your or not, he was always willing to lend a hand, give an ear, or boost if you needed it. While in the hospital, he took the opportunity to listen to and help someone who needed him.

He was involved with many organizations, including the Lorain County Labor Agency, Lorain County Organized Labor Day Celebration, March of Dimes, and the Lorain County Community Action Agency. He accepted the Lord at a young age, and his journey led him to Church On The North Coast, where he became a member, Greeter, and Deacon.

In 1975, Gerald began his career with the Ford Motor Company in Avon Lake, Ohio; starting in the Paint Department, he went on to work with the union (Local 2000), because that satisfied his passion to help people. Gerald was a District Committeeman, Bargaining Committeeman, Ford Production Systems (FPS) Coordinator, and a Ford Employee Resource Coordinator (ERC). He was known for his work ethic and integrity treating everyone he met with respect. Gerald retired from Ford Motor Company after 42 years of dedicated service.

In his spare time, when he wasn’t working in the yard, it was sports that Gerald enjoyed most, and his favorite were chess, tennis, jogging, football, and basketball. He was instrumental in setting up a Ford League in the plant. He favorite team was the Cleveland Browns.

Gerald’s legacy will live on through is spouse of 44 years, Maureen, his children Gerald M. Pippens, Jr., Helen M. Pippens, Joicelyn R. (Reginald) Weems, and Amanda J. Pippens; his grandchildren, Anastasija, Alanna, Amair, TaShaun, Oliva, Brandon, Reginald III, Calvin, and Lillie; his great-grandchildren, Zay’Vion and Londyn; his brother Walter T. Pippens, his two sisters Shelia D. Day and Cordelia (Mack) Hill; and a host of other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Pippens and Catherine (Webb) Pippens; two brothers, William Pippens and Sherwin D. Pippens; three sisters, Addie L. Brentley, Lula J. Clark, and Horacestine Glover; and a grandson.

Rest in Peace. Your will forever be in our hearts.

His viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Church on the North Coast, Lorain Campus, 4125 Leavitt Road, Lorain, OH 44053; Pastor Cynthia Harris officiating. The burial will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst, Ohio.