Mr. Gerald T. Kemp

Gerald Tyrone Kemp departed this life December 9, 2016 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born August 18, 1955 the son of Llewellyn Johnson Kemp and Helen Mae Kemp in Albion, MI. He graduated from high school as an adult with a GED in Battle Creek, MI. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and loved the Lord dearly. As he went through his medical challenge, Tyrone never once said, "Why me?" or blamed God. His strength (mind, body & spirit) was what God gave him as a gift. He loved singing to the Lord. His favorite songs were "Amazing Grace" and "God Keeps His Promises". His Angel here on earth was his precious love and lady, Clara Jean Labarre. For the past 15 years, she was his best friend, care taker and partner. They did everything together and she loved him with all of her heart. Thank you so much, Jean (our loving sister, forever). Tyrone was a Small Business Owner. He recycled metal, handled furniture moving, and was a collector of antiques. He also was an auto mechanic, a landscaper and was a bouncer at several establishment. He was well-known in several communities: Albion, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo. His special gift was helping less fortunate people by giving them clothing, advise and assisted them with auto repair and moving them from place to place for practically nothing. He truly loved people and would greet everyone either by "Sis" or "T". Some of his favorite saying were, "What's up, T"; Savoir-Faire"; "Like a Fat"; "My Mellow"; "My, My, My, My"; "Den to wear"; :"What you doing that for?"; "There you go" and "God keeps His Promises." Tyrone loved to sing, especially with his brothers. He was very protective of his family and had unbelievable strength. He loved to fish and loved animals. His spirit was always up beat and was ready to tell a joke to bring a smile to someone's face and spirit. Tyrone had a special loving bond with his brother, Johnny and his wife Katherine. They were business partners, inseparable and best of friends. His message to his family is to "Believe in the Lord, with all your heart" and always, "Be strong, because God keeps His promises". He leaves to cherish his memories: one son, Marlon Atkinson; 2 daughters, Tyrice and Austrailia ("Leelee") Howell and their mother, Joyce Howell;; 3 grandchildren; one sister, Bernadine Lewis; 2 brothers, John H. (Katherine) Kemp and Harold E. (Denice) Kemp; 8 nieces; 10 nephews; one uncle, Calvin Kemp and a host of cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and older brothers, Delbert and Reggie Kemp. The Kemp family has always been very close and loving to one another, because Daddy told us to, "Always stick together". Tyrone truly held up to his part as a loving brother and we will always be forever grateful. Tyrone will truly be missed and will forever be in our hearts and minds. "Stay Strong, My Brother"

Mr. Gerald T. Kemp

August 18, 1955 - December 9, 2016