Mr. Gerald Maurice Colbert, 68, departed this life on June 8, 2026. Born on May 4, 1958, to the late Grover Colbert and Sadie Hill Colbert, Gerald was a lifelong resident of the High Point/Kernersville area and a proud graduate of High Point Central High School, Class of 1976.
Gerald dedicated many years of service to Hickory Printing Company, Alderman Studios and Wayne Trademark Printing and Packaging, where he was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical talents and willingness to lend a helping hand. Outside of work, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests that reflected his creativity and skill. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, boating, restoring and working on cars, gardening, grilling and spending time at the Mt Carmel AME Zion Church Camp Meeting in Lancaster, South Carolina. He also took great pride in spending time with his family and friends in his home and by the pool. Gerald was known as an avid collector of many things and was an eBay expert who could find just about anything.
A gifted mechanic and handyman, Gerald had a remarkable ability to fix and restore almost anything. Whether working on cars, tackling home projects or searching for the perfect find online, he approached everything with skill, determination and pride. As a younger brother to some and older brother to others, Gerald often had a bossy streak, a strong opinion and usually the last wordβbut those who knew him best understood that his intentions were rooted in love.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Grover Colbert and Sadie Hill Colbert; his sister, Arnesta Carter (Andre Carter Sr.) and his nephews, Shaun Colbert and Andre Carter Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Desiree Sawyer; his son, Darius Colbert; his granddaughters, Anina Reed and Gabrielle Boone; his siblings, Gloria Colbert, Cortez Colbert (Cynthia Colbert), Sinclair Colbert (Libby Goss), Catrilla Griffin and Yeshiva Colbert-McDuffie (Preston McDuffie, Jr.); in addition to his immediate family, Gerald shared a sibling-like bond with cousins, Wylie Coleman and Demetrious Gooden (Selma Gooden), who held a cherished place in his life; he also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends.
While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they will continue to cherish the memories they shared and carry his legacy with them for years to come.
Funeral service will be held Friday, June 12, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Send flowers to the service of Mr. Gerald Maurice Colbert
Saddened. Although I hadn't seen Gerald in many years, he remained a constant friend via Social Media, (FB). Always a wonderful spirit , we shared many moments of Laughter and Memories of childhood. He will be remembered with love and lightπ Extending Heartfelt Prayers of Comfort to the Family during this difficult time.
My Family and the Cowans have known the Colbert's for many years, Gerald was not only a neighbor but a friend, brother to many of us, his smile would light up a room. RIP
So sorry to learn of Gerald's passing, although I haven't seen or talked with him other than social media, he'll be missed.
Sending prayers of comfort and love to the Colbert family. Darius, you are like a brother to my son Rae and know you lived and we will always be here for you. May your dad rest in heavenly peace with our father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Expressing our deepest condolences to the Colbert family
Sorry for your loss
Rest well classmates!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.God will grant your family the strength & comfort.Gerald will be Missed,But Not Forgotten! ππ½ππ½ Our conversation along laughter has ended.He left many memories to reflect upon as time goes by. Keep looking up,God is the lifter of your head.β€οΈππ½ Shirley Miller & Family
One the best big brother i had in my life.he was allways there when I needed him. He was allways doing God's work.looking for family and friends.he took me to have respect for others people .the man everyone called Mr south side .we are going mist you very much big brother we are going to see you one day in heaven In Jesus name amen
The shock of the loosing a brother may seem more than you can bear. You pause to recall the jokes you played on one another, the disagreements, tumbles and falls and for a brief moment you manage to have a smile. But just when you've thought you've mastered control of your emotions Mr. Grief takes hold, causing loss of sleep, loneliness and sorrow. Tears may seem to flow unrestrained from your eyes. The loss you feel may be the severest emotional experience of your life. Do not think that it is evidence of weakness to break down and cry. There is an emotional release in letting the tears flow. Letting tears flow is a normal release for heartache. Those who mourn the death of a loved ones as you do can find strength in the arms and embraces of one another when they are in your midst. But during those nights when all are gone to their homes you can be assured that God is never too tired to listen to your prayers for he is the Hearer of Prayer all day and all night. (Psalm 65:2) God can supply the curative comfort that is needed. Going to God, along with seeking to do his will, will certainly bring healing and to your aching heart for he is a God of all comfort and a Father of tender mercies. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) As time goes by reflect on these words, "Listen, O Jehovah, (God) to my prayer, and pay attention to my pleas for help, I call on you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me." Psalm 86:6-7 BJ Darius's Mom
We are praying and sending our deepest condolences to all of you in the loss of Gerald. May God grant each of you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow. With love, Glendale Hicks and Family.
To the Colbert Family. Wo offer our heartfelt condolences to the family. Jesus is the way in, he's the way out, he's the way through!
Sending prayers and condolences to Cortez, Sinclair and your family. John Barton, Gordon Dean, Donald Bratton, Godfrey Brimmer, Robert Bullard NCAT Omega Psi Phi (Spring '71)
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during your time of sorrow. May He comfort you and give you peace.
With Love, Melanie Boyd Jones
RIP Gerald We Going To Miss You
Gerald was full of laughter all the time. He was very outgoing and love his motorcycles. He was also fun of his friends Faye Jackson and Deborah Inzar those was his buddies his Nicknames to them was James Ingram. He will be definitely missed
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the Colbert keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers RIH Gerald Sharon Green and Family ποΈπποΈ
My prayers are with you.
To the entire Colbert family we the Hoke and Baker family send our deepest sympathy to you at a time such as this. Our families go way back to Southside days. Take your place Gearld and rest. Debra Hoke Baker and family. Avis Hoke Mason, Bobby Hoke.
I am sending my condolences, he was a friend and a brother.
God's peace be with you all. Charlie White HPC Class of 76'
Heartfelt condolences to the Colbert Family on the passing of your loved one, Mr. Gerald Maurice Colbert.
Hello, Family:
Love and Prayers to each of you. We will always trust God to comfort and keep you in His Loving care. Look up and Trust God. God Bless All!
Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green, Sinclair's Classmate and Rev., Dr. Bobby W. Green, Jr.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.