GERALD JOHN SEMIEN was born on August 24, 1944, in Eunice, Louisiana to the late Walter and Mabel Fontenot Semien. He attended St. Mathilda Catholic School and Charles Drew High School. He joined the Airforce Branch of the military in 1965 where he served a total of 6 years (active and reserve duty). He had an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant. He later moved to Houston.  He worked for the Houston Independent School District as a carpenter. He retired in 2005.

In 1991, while working for Houston ISD, Gerald met the love of his life while remodeling her classroom at McReynolds Middle School. He would stop in to eat his lunch or place an apple on her desk. He enjoyed hanging around until she got off work. They would talk for hours on the phone. He asked her out and then later met the family.  Her son, Ron gave the okay by saying, "Mom, he's good to fly solo".  He asked her to marry him.  On June 12, 1993, they were married. They created their version of a loving and blended family.

Gerald worked as a carpenter (by trade) and framed pictures for many years. He was very skilled in his craft.  He could look at a picture of what you wanted and the space you had and create it for you.  He helped oversee the construction of the current sanctuary and the renovation of the fellowship Hall after a fire at Blessed Hope.  He helped maintain the upkeep of the buildings for years.  He had his own business for a few years, Gerald's Carpentry, where he worked for many people in and around the Houston area and even at Blessed Hope. He framed, hung pictures, made shadow boxes, and stretched canvases for many churches, museums, libraries, galleries, and many individuals, such as John Biggers, Beyonce' and TSU, just to name a few.

As a child, Gerald grew up in the Catholic Faith. In his adult life, he joined Blessed Hope Baptist Church, where he was baptized and there began his Christian journey. He was an active member of the brotherhood, male chorus, Sunday school, and served on several other ministries. The late Pastor, Rev. Jesse E. Green, saw a light in him for a greater service. He met and concurred with him to become a Deacon. He had enough confidence in him that he could fill the office of a Deacon: Having been chosen one "of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom", capable of using the office well, and set apart publicly to office and work of Deacon. After many meetings, counseling sessions, bible studies, trainings, and much prayer, he was ordained as a Deacon on October 15, 1995. He served and performed his duties well in the office of a deacon.

Gerald loved motorcycles from a very young age. He and his brothers enjoyed building and riding bikes. He really loved to ride and owned several Harley Davidson motorcycles. He belonged to South Side Riders Motorcycle Club. After marriage, he wanted his wife to ride with him. So, she accompanied him on many short and sometimes long rides in and around the Houston area before joining the Houston Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers MC, where they found a family of believers. They participated in many charitable events and functions along with providing care packages for homes, community centers and the homeless.  The club also provided scholarships for graduating seniors and college students.  He held the positions of secretary and vice president of the organization before retiring 2015.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jeffery Semien and James Semien.

Gerald's memories will be cherished by wife Lowretta Semien of Houston, TX; daughters Geralynn Hope Semien (Joslyn), Antretta Durio Price (Corey), and ShaVonne Durio all of Houston, TX; sons Ronald E. Durio (Tonice) of Houston, TX and Gerald John Semien, Jr. of Denver, CO; one sister Mary Doris Guillory (Wilson) of Houston, TX and one brother Walter Semien (Gwendolyn) of Eunice, LA; three sisters-in-law Luenda Semien, Mary Fisher (Silas), and Precilla Braxton all of Houston, TX; two brothers-in-law Joe L. Braxton (Ella) and Albert Braxton (Jean) both of Houston, TX; five grandchildren Devin T. Crain (Tania) of Okinawa, Japan, Ramekia Durio, Ronald E. Durio, Jr., VonJanae' Durio, and Ronald E. Durio, III all of Houston, TX; two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and good neighbors.

Service will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 @ 11 a.m. at Blessed Hope Baptist Church located on 3741 Colvin Street Houston, Texas 77013

Rev. Dr. Jacques D. Denkins, Officiating Pastor

Internment: Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Houston, Texas 77038