Gerard D. Wade, 19 of Charlotte, passed away on June 10, 2019 at Levine Children's Hospital after a lengthy illness. His family was by his side when he drifted off to be with the Lord. He was born October 13, 1999 in Baltimore, MD, the son of Jeff and LaNae (Hill) Wade. Gerard graduated from United Faith Christian Academy (UFCA) in 2017, where he was a member of "The No Drama" Theatre Company. While there he organized a "Go Red" Day at UFCA to promote Sickle Cell Disease Awareness which he battled every day for almost 19 years. Upon graduation he enrolled in classes at Central Piedmont Community College.
Gerard had a strong faith in Christ and was baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. As he grew into a young man, he loved to attend Transformation Church when able. Gerard impacted so many people during his 19 years with his leadership, strength, and infectious smile. He lived life each day with a strength and determination that was beyond words. Gerard's favorite quote was from Muhammad Ali, "If my mind can conceive it, if my heart can believe it- -then I can achieve it."
He loved fashion, food, art, music, cars, and Marvel movies. He would often help many of his friends, family, doctors, and nurses with their style, telling some they needed to "Elevate their Style." Gerard was a member of the Teen Advisory Council at Levine Children's Hospital allowing him to impact the inpatient menu and at one point having a menu item named after him "Gerard's Sliders." While on the council he also attended Children's Advocacy Day in Washington DC, where he shared his story with NC legislators on Capitol Hill. Gerard also had the opportunity to serve as a Jr. Counselor at Camp Carefree during Sickle Cell Week hosted by the NC State Sickle Cell Agency. He made a lasting impression and was able to share his journey with younger campers.
Gerard is survived by his parents Jeff and LaNae Wade; his sister Savannah Wade who loves him very much. He also leaves his maternal great-grandmother, Gloria Redmon, of Charlotte; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Andrea Hill, of Charlotte; his paternal grandmother, Bettye Wade, of Martinsville, VA; his aunt LaVerne Redmon of Flushing, NY; his aunt Joann Watts, of Detroit, MI; his uncle Frank Hill (Jackie), of Inkster, MI; uncle Harold Campbell, of Martinsville, VA; his Godmother LaTashia Satterfield-Okhumoya, of Maryland; his best friend(brother) Austin Israel, of Charlotte; and a host of cousins and friends.
Service Details.
Service
When: Saturday, June 29th, 2019 11:00am
Location: Transfomation Church
Address: 1212 Transformation Lane Indian Land, SC