Jerry Baskin

Jerry Baskin, born December 6, 1948, in Ferndale, Michigan to Mary Louise Baskin and Frederick Yancy, was—undeniably—Detroit through and through. He grew up in the city, attended Detroit Public Schools, and lived there for most of his life. He loved Detroit, bet on its "Renaissance," and watched it unfold.

His mother's insatiable passion and his stepfather Rodell Ramsey's even temper formed the perfect counterbalance that shaped Jerry's own driving principles: passion, curiosity, and compassion. Analytical yet empathetic, he turned foes into friends, enemies into allies, and haters into lovers.

In 1968, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Military Police Officer in Germany. Upon returning to Detroit, he met Sharon Brown—his soulmate from the very first glance. They married in 1980 and raised three children: Jerry Rodell-Eugene, Brandon Jovan, and Audrey Renée Baskin.

Jerry loved work. He lived work. From U.S. Steel to City of Detroit contracts to H&R Block, every role was a lesson. In 1988 he founded Universal Pest Control, later adding Universal Landscaping and Horizons Unlimited—and even converted part of his office into a bedroom to stay on call. Setbacks never discouraged him; they emboldened him—and inspired others to strike out on their own.

A steadfast believer in redemption and second chances, Jerry mentored individuals through S.H.A.R. House and Narcotics Anonymous, offering jobs, guidance, and a path forward to those rebuilding their lives.

He had a deep intellectual appetite—drawing from books on African history, ancient Kemet, hermeneutics, and science fiction (Isaac Asimov was a favorite)—and a wide-ranging love of music, from Frank Sinatra and Motown to The Last Poets, Grant Green, Branford Marsalis, and the occasional Tupac and Biggie. Gifted in mathematics and steeped in philosophy, he urged his children and community to question everything, live with intention, and practice the forgiveness he found in The Lord's Prayer.

Jerry was preceded in death by his brother Rudy Baskin, his mother Mary Louise Ramsey, and his stepfather Rodell Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Baskin; his children, Carlos, Jerry Rodell-Eugene, Brandon Jovan, and Audrey Renée; his grandchildren, Shareece, Elijah, Parker, and Nathan; his special daughter, Deanna Brown; his goddaughters, Brandi Corewell and Diahnna Sears; and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering belief in second chances endures.