Gezus Kinsasha Zaire, known to those who loved him as Zaire, passed away on February 2, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 46. Born Maurice Laron Wilks on August 28, 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio to Charlene McCoy (Reed) and Emmanuel Wilks. As a child he loved sports, music, and making people laugh. He was raised in the church and was baptized at the age of 10.

He attended East Cleveland City Schools, graduating from Shaw High School in 1997. His fondest memories in high school were learning about the breadth of Black History from Ms. Shaheed and playing football. After high school he went on to attend the University of Toledo (UT) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2001. During his years at the University of Toledo, he became a prolific voice on campus. As a writer for The Collegian, he earned multiple awards for his sharp insight and powerful storytelling. He also served as a radio deejay, guiding listeners through life and emotion using music as his language. It was during this period that he fully recognized the depth of his gifts and the purpose behind his art. Embracing that transformation, he chose the name Gezus to reflect the divine strength he carried within, and Zaire as a proud, enduring connection to the power and legacy of the motherland.

After college, he began his professional journey as a writer for the Call and Post Newspaper. More than a journalist, he was a storyteller, community activist, marketing visionary, photographer, videographer, and a champion of emerging talent. After leaving the Call and Post, he launched his independent media company, Rebellife Media, creating pathways and opportunities for artists of all ages and genres. He founded the Black Power Radio Network Hip Hop Awards, a platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating Cleveland’s local talent. He also highlighted and showcased athletes, using his creative gifts to elevate their profiles and help propel their careers.

On September 15, 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Portia J. Newell. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and purpose. After moving to Columbus, they embraced the most meaningful ministry of all—their family. Fatherhood was the role Zaire cherished above every other, and he poured his whole heart into raising their two sons. It was the greatest work of his life, and he mastered it with devotion, joy, and unwavering pride. A loving husband, dedicated father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, loved by everyone and who met him, he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his beloved wife Portia, his sons Micah and Pharoahe. His mother Charlene (Robert) McCoy, Cleveland Heights, OH. His father Emmanuel Wilks, Cincinnati, OH. His sister Shawntyle (James) Flowers, Euclid OH and brothers Winston Wilks, Las Vegas, NV and Quentin Vereen of Cleveland Ohio. His niece Janai Flowers, Dallas, TX and nephew Jaiden Flowers Euclid, OH and his mother-in-law Cora Newell and host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.