Our beloved son, brother, and father, Jekarei, was taken from us far too soon—and the space he leaves behind is immeasurable.

If you knew Jekarei, you knew joy. You knew laughter. You knew light. He was the kind of spirit that could shift an entire room the moment he walked in. Jovial, charismatic, and effortlessly warm, he carried a smile that could soften even the hardest days. Even in his lowest moments, he still found a way to lift others higher.

He had a gift—he made people laugh. Joke after joke, moment after moment, he made sure you felt seen, lighter, better. And if you spoke to him, you already know—he never ended a conversation without reminding you just how “pretty” he was. That was Jekarei. Confident, playful, unforgettable.

On April 1st, he celebrated his 40th birthday—a milestone he was genuinely excited about. He had just stepped into a new chapter of life, recently relocating to California to be closer to both his mother, Tuanja, and his father, Julies. He spoke with hope. With vision. With anticipation for what was ahead.

And now, we hold onto his words, his laughter, and the love he gave so freely.

“You were my comforter when I didn’t know I was need of comforting. You felt your mama so deeply. My Son, my baby boy, please come back to me. Your love will remain with me forever. Thank you for showing me how I deserved to be loved.” - Mah

“Jekarei was always concerned about how he could make others laugh and forget about their worries even if just for a moment. He wanted to be able to help make the world a better place. Constantly reaching out to assist anyone in need when he was able.” - Dad aka Pops

“I adored you with my whole heart, little brother, and I always wanted nothing but the absolute best for your life. Seeing you happy, growing, and stepping into who you were meant to be meant everything to me.”

- Catuani, Big Sis

“My brother, my brother I miss you so much and you just left yesterday. Yet, I feel you with me so strongly.” -Phailon, Big Little Sister Forever

“Lil bruh I’ll always remember all the things we went thru together-good & bad. You will forever live thru me. LLJK” - Dariae, Big Bruh Forever

Jekarei lived for connection. For laughter. For people. And that’s exactly how he will be remembered.

If you feel moved to support our family during this time, we are asking for help to lay our beloved Jekarei to rest properly and with dignity, as well as to support the children he leaves behind who are now facing life without their father. There is no amount too small, and every dollar is received with deep gratitude.

Thank you for helping us honor a life that gave so much to so many.