Gregory Hartwell

Gregory Michael Hartwell was born on May 9, 1968 in Natchez, Mississippi. He lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated from Glen Oaks High School. Upon, graduating from high school he attended Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Kim Colbert. To this union they had two daughters, Jasmine and Jade Colbert.

Gregory, affectionately known as “Jazzy” played basketball in high school and college, in which he was incredibly talented. His love of basketball became a way for him to mentor kids and show them a better way of life. His career started at the Moorland Family YMCA located in Dallas “Oak Cliff” Texas. Jazzy ventured out and started Urban DFW Elite. He soon became a Grassroot Basketball representative for Adidas.

Jazzy was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Gregory Michael Hartwell transitioned into his heavenly home on June 11, 2020, at Methodist Central Dallas. Gregory was preceded in death by the love of his life Kim Colbert; a daughter, April Tibbs; a granddaughter, Journee Janae; two grandmothers, Odessa Floyd and Lillie McManus; grandfather, Hartley Floyd; brother, Alvin Smith; sister, Barbara Cage; nephew, Taylon Hall and his dad, Sylvester Matthews. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving parents, Alvin and Betty McManus of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; three daughters, Jasmine and Jade Colbert both of Dallas, Texas, and Jade’ Carroll of Waco, Texas; four sisters, Tekin Hall (Derrick) of Baker, Louisiana, Francene Smith of Baker, Louisiana, Sheighlah McManus of Houston, Texas, and Alexis McManus of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; four brothers, Gregory Johnson of Dallas, Texas, Alvin McManus (Mercedes) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sean McManus (Ellen) of Arlington, Texas, and Zachary McManus (Demmi) of Houston, Texas; special aunts that he loved dearly, Bobbie Bailey of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Alice Dunn; three uncles, Melvin McManus, Lionel McManus, and Donald Ray McManus all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; step mother, Shirley Barfield; two special children that he loved dearly, Justin and Lacie Deboskie. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that loved him dearly.

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