Giovanni Gamaal El-Shird was born on January 6, 1935, in Baltimore, MD to the late Irene Jobes and James Henry Shird. Giovanni peacefully left this earth on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Joseph Richey Hospice Care in Baltimore, MD. Giovanni was one of 12 children; 5 brothers. Bishop Melvin & James Shird; (3 brothers preceded him in death, Louis "Mitten", Robert "Bobby" & Timothy "Timmy" Shird). 6 sisters. Doris, Gwendolyn "Gwenny" Frailing, Mamie, Janice, Kay, & Carolyn Shird. Giovanni received his education from Frederick Douglass High School, and completed 1 year of college education at Morgan State University, institutions in Baltimore, MD. Giovanni's work experience included engaging in manual labor in the construction industry, serving as a steward for the Marriott Hotel in charge of provisions and dining arrangements. He was a sales associate for The Baltimore Sun Newspaper, which landed him a photographed article in the Baltimore Sun with his son Jamaal. He was an avid activist for civil rights, participated in the 1963 March on Washington and served as a bodyguard for boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. He also received certificates of recognition and appreciation for his generous support volunteering. Giovanni was a handsome, tall glass of water to those who knew him well; very charismatic, remarkable, intelligent, prideful, health conscious, an excellent cook and a lover of knowledge. Giovanni indulged in reading various books to expand his vocabulary and broaden his thinking. Unique and Peculiar are the words that define him best. Giovanni's strongest characteristics were leadership and justice. Giovanni experienced a lot of trials and tribulations throughout his life. But, he remained faithful in his beliefs that God delivered him for a purpose; a commitment. Giovanni was a passionate man, father and husband. Loyalty is the link which kept him connected to old school friends. Giovanni left a great impression on everyone who crossed his path. Giovanni was a devout believer in Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures. He showed fulfillment when hearing the Word of God taught. Giovanni would surprise visit United Brethren to see his daughter Rashada and delighted in stolen moments to sit closely with his wife Carolyn after church service. But one service, he surprised his family by standing to be recognized he wanted to secure his soul in Christ. He wanted Salvation-he, too wanted to be saved! O, happy day for his daughter Rashada, who talked so many times to her father about an .eternal bond they would share if he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Thank you LORD for Your Preparation of Grace! Giovanni was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. A year later, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Prideful Giovanni remained an O.G. He stayed in the press throughout his struggles of functionally declining. He still was a character with his sharp vernacular, his sense of style, his outspoken realistic views on current events, and a man of order and responsibility. Giovanni experienced moments of depression, hardship and difficulty as his life threatening diseases were taking over his body, but, not his spirit. Giovanni still enjoyed cooking, dancing, looking debonair at functions or just in his "Bob Marley" moments smiling in relief of a temporary moment of no pain and thoughts of One Love. For the moments we had to experience with Giovanni, let us remember his infectious smiles, his deep laughs, his wide-eyed expressions, his comical hats, his generous efforts to make us feel comfortable in his presence, his thoroughbred nature being a Man. Giovanni leaves his legacy of existence for his first and only wife, Mother Carolyn (Sugarbowl) Shird; his children to continue on as soldiers in Christ; Marlon A.H. Shird (Tunji), Jamaal A. Shird Sr., his Princess Rashada (Shadae) Shird, Sarah G. Shird and Jahmal P. Shird. His grandchildren, Jamaal A. Shird Jr. and Kamora S. Shird. His Pastor, Bishop William E. Gaines Jr., the United Brethren Family, a host of nieces, nephews, Relatives and friends. Memorial Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, August 30, 2013 11:00 AM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Service to begin @ 11:30 am Directions