Jalen Anthony Byrd

Obituary For Jalen Anthony Byrd

Jalen Anthony Byrd Sr. was born on July 28, 2001, to Erika Lowe and Vincent Byrd Sr. He attended St. Johns County Schools, where he developed a lifelong love for athletics. From his elementary years through Sebastian Middle School and later at St. Augustine High School, Jalen was actively involved in football and basketball, excelling both on the field and on the court. He also played baseball at Sebastian Middle School and participated in AAU basketball throughout his school years.
After graduating, Jalen continued his passion for football and basketball by playing in men’s leagues. Sports and music were two of his greatest loves, and you could often find Jalen vibing to his favorite music.
Jalen had a genuine love for people. Like his mother, he never met a stranger. He was born and raised at E. A. Kelly Memorial Church of God in Christ, where he played the drums in his younger years and was a proud member of the Sunshine Band.
A natural leader, Jalen touched many lives, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Four years ago, Jalen met his fiancée, D’Aja. He lovingly raised her son, Te’Vaughn, as his own, and together they welcomed a son, Jalen Jr.
Jalen was preceded in eternal rest by his paternal grandparents, Alphonso and Jeanette Byrd; his maternal grandfather, Alvin Lowe; his maternal great-grandfathers, Arthur C. Lowe and Johnson Manuel Bailey; his paternal aunt, Karen Byrd Wise; his paternal uncle, Bobby Byrd; his maternal aunt, Candice Ferrell-Johnson; and his sisters, Paris Byrd and Mukisha Byrd.
Jalen leaves to cherish his memories: his loving fiancée, D’Aja; his sons, Jalen Byrd Jr. and Te’Vaughn Willis; his dedicated and devoted mother, Erika Lowe (Travis) of St. Augustine; his father, Vincent Byrd Sr. (Veronica); sisters, Aaliyah Byrd (AJ) of St. Augustine, Dallas Byrd-Cooke (Johnny) of Callahan, Florida, Kallani Byrd of Palm Coast, Florida, Ariel Byrd and Vallesha Byrd of Jacksonville, Florida; brothers, Chrystian Byrd, Erik Byrd, and Brayden Coley, all of St. Augustine, and Vincent Byrd Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida; his maternal grandmother, Ruth Ferrell of Palm Coast, Florida; his paternal grandmother, Marie Byrd of St. Augustine, Florida; maternal great-grandmothers, Clara Edwards of St. Augustine, Florida, and Lillian Harris of Blackshear, Georgia; aunts and uncles, Kristal Ferrell, Catrina Sparrow (Caray), Vangler Basdon, Nancy Byrd (Alphonso), Xavier Byrd, Sherome K. Ferrell, Jamar Ferrell (Bree), Alvin Sippio, Shawn Ferrell, Kyra C. Ferrell Jr., Kyra Jones, Kyra Ferrell III, Earl Basdon (Helen), Ervin Basdon (Bev), and Troy Byrd (Tiffany); a special little cousin, Jaylen Sykes (his namesake); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted family, and friends.

Visitation 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, December 19, at E.A. Kelley Sr. Memorial Church of God in Christ, 760 W. King St, St. Augustine

Celebration of Life 12:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at New St. James MB Church 135 N. Rodriquez St, St. Augustine, Florida

Interment will be private in Evergreen Cemetery