Torrese “TJ” Swantale Gill Jr was born on November 13, 1997 to Torrese Swantale Gill Sr and Kelepha “Kisa” Kay Walker in Denver Colorado. He was the eldest son of five. His younger brothers are Darius Gill, Malachi Gill, Omari Gill and Ezekiel Gill, whom he loved very much.
Tj was a ball of energy from birth. He was happy and loving and a natural athlete. From the time he was a little one he loved any ball that he could bounce, throw, kick or hit. Although he loved all sports, football is where he shined. He started playing little league at the age of 5 and continued through high school.
He was very intelligent and excelled in school. Because he was so high energy he’d often finish his assignments quickly and disrupt the class as he couldn’t sit still. In elementary his teachers would send him to a higher grade where he’d do the exact same thing, Eventually they found what worked which was sending him to the special needs classes and he absolutely loved it He loved helping them and it seemed to calm him down. From a young child he always cared for those who were different and catered to them. TJ attended several high schools including DSST – GVR, MLK, Poudre and Gateway, before graduating from PUSH Academy in 2016.
Torrese was very outgoing, fun-loving and family oriented. He showed up to everything concerning his brothers whether it was school or sports. If he was invited to anything, he was there and was the life of the party and his presence lit up every room he entered!
He was blessed with 3 daughters of his own and he loved them more than life! Ne’Lani Kylai, Nova Elisa Marie, and Noa Rebecca Kai Gill (Their mother is Tajane Anderson) had him wrapped around their fingers. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his girls. He was an amazing “girl dad” and prided himself in being there to attend to their every need. He even planned to go to cosmetology school to learn how to do their hair.
Tj was a driver by trade and worked several jobs with Lyft being his last. His favorite though was being a DPS bus driver. He drove a special needs bus. He loved the bond he had with his students and they loved him. He was proud of the bond he had with them and he’d beam as he told stories of what happened on the bus from day to day.
In his free time TJ loved being with family, playing basketball, listening to music (mostly Rod Wave – but he listened to a bit of everything) and playing video games with his brothers, cousins and friends. #GatBdaManG
Although he hadn’t attended church regularly since he was a child, his home church was Landmark Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus name on Easter Sunday about 7 years ago. His heart was tender toward God and he had started reading his bible and praying while working to get his life on track. He was very big on reaching his brothers to ensure they didn’t make the mistakes he had made. He was indeed his brother’s keeper.
Tj will be remembered most for his larger than life smile, his goofy jokes (that he’d crack up laughing at himself) and infectious laugh, his loyalty and love. He was a faithful, son, brother, father, grandson, nephew, cousin, confidant and friend. He could always be counted on if you were ever in need. He was generous with a big heart and also a protector. He didn’t play when it came to his loved ones.
TJ was preceded in death by his grandfather, Steven Walker. His great grandmothers, Mary Bannon, Lillian McCray and Dorothy Hatch. His aunts, Kelepha LaShelle Bannon and Irma Jean Gill, as well as his cousins James Bradley and Clarence Wallace III. His cousin Sharon Bannon died just four days after him.
Torrese was tragically taken from us on the evening of December 25, 2022 and is now in the hands of Almighty God.
Those that remain to love him and cherish his memory are his parents, Torrese and Kisa Gill. His brothers, Darius, Malachi, Omari and Ezekiel Gill. His daughters, Ne’Lani, Nova and Noa Gill. His grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and many more family and friends.
TJ, you are forever loved and greatly missed!
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
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Pipkin Braswell Serenity Chapel
Thursday, February 2, 2023
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Landmark Tabernacle
Thursday, February 2, 2023
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Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery
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