Jaleel Radavid Kamau Wainaina

In the early morning hours of Monday, January 18th, 2021, our beloved Jaleel Ray-David Kamua Wainaina, completed his earthy journey, and returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Creator. Jaleel was born Friday December 2nd, 1994 to Kimberly Lynn (Bryant) Frazier and Joram David Wainaina, in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Jaleel was the first to many in his family: son, grandson, nephew and cousin. By being the first, he came into our lives as a teacher although it was our responsibility to teach and rear him. He blessed each of us with an abundant, indescribable joy.

Jaleel’s was christened a powerful name because in Swahili it means “King,” he was treated as such, and destined for greatness. His mother affectionally referred to him as “Stink” or “Stinka-butt.” He was also given the nicknames “Diddy” by his younger sister, Malkia, due to her mispronunciation of his name; and “Bear Heart” by his older cousin Chavon. In no time, everyone followed suit and called him “Diddy” or simply “Jaye.”

Jaleel was baptized at an early age and accepted fact that there existed a force greater than himself. He attended the First African American United Methodist Church and occasionally Christ Temple Apostolic Church, both of Anderson, Indiana.

During his youth and much of his adulthood, Jaleel was quiet. He had a passion for observing the world around him. He attended First Presbyterian Preschool, Sugar Grove Elementary, and Davis Park Elementary Schools, located in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 2006, Jaleel and his family relocated to Anderson, Indiana, where he attended Southside Middle School, and Anderson High School. Jaleel was exceptionally bright, extremely gifted, and wise well beyond his years. Although he was a straight A student, Jaleel became inattentive with the State’s required curriculum and obtained his GED. He continued his studies at Ivy Tech Community College, Anderson Campus, majoring in Computer Science.

Though many of us struggle to trace our lineage to distant and faraway lands, Jaleel had quite the advantage and did not have this difficulty. Jaleel was proud of the fact that he was a direct descendant from the Cradle of Life, the Motherland, Africa. He shared that pride with us, and we are eternally grateful. He also wished to one day be reunited with his father, whom he shared a very close relationship, and to meet his paternal side of his family.

We would like to remember Jaleel for his beautiful and humble spirit, uncanny sense of dry humor, profound intellect, desire to acquire knowledge and share what he had learned with others. He had a mysterious yet sensitive nature, compassionate heart, and courageous plight to live his life to the absolute fullest. Jalees was also known to possess a solemn demeanor, but underneath his well-structured façade was an illuminating, megawatt smile. Whenever Jaleel chose to grace you with his

light, the burden you may have carried at the time instantaneously melted away, brightening even the darkest corners of despair. He was light in and of itself, a giver, selfless, confidant, best friend, man of his word, loyal to those he loved. He was an avid listener of music, especially that of vinyl. Jaleel held high regard and respect for musicians whose music had purpose, especially Stevie Wonder. For Jaleel, music was a means to express feelings that he could not easily communicate with and to others.

Jaleel was preceded in death by his maternal aunt, Tina Martin; paternal aunts Mercy and Naomi Kamau; maternal grandfather, Preston B. Sholar; maternal great-grandparents, Wanda J. Nelson and Harrison M. Frazier; and maternal great-aunt, Elyse Burkins (Cecil).

Jaleel was adored across the world and he leaves to cherish fond memories of: husband, Steven Wainaina, whom he married August 19th, 2016, of Vevay, Indiana; mother, Kimberly of Anderson, Indiana; father, Joram of Mombasa, Kenya, Africa; siblings, Malkia (Justin) and Prince Bryant both of Anderson, Indiana, and Mercy and Lucy Kamau of Mombasa, Kenya, Africa; maternal grandparents Elder Devon R. and Kaleen “Kathy” Smith-Frazier of Anderson, Indiana; paternal grandparents, Francis Kamau and Lucy Njeri of Mombasa, Kenya, Africa; special aunts Evon Kay Frazier and Kaleen Williams of Anderson, Indiana; special uncles Devon Ray Frazier “Jr.” of Anderson, Indiana, and George Kamau of Mombasa, Kenya, Africa; his “favorite little people,” cherished nephews, Jordan and James Bryant of Anderson, Indiana; two special cousins, Chavon A. Burkins of Terre Haute, Indiana and Tashieka B. Sinclaire (Darrell) of Danville, Illinois; and special Godmother, Gwendolyn Rice of Terre Haute, Indiana. Although unable to give mention to all whom loved Jaleel, he also leaves a host of first cousins, family, and dear friends.

As time continues, let us look unto the skies and remember Jaleel in this way: “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings in the heavens through which our loved one pour out their love and let us know they are happy.”

We love you always and forever, Jaleel.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” ~ Dr. Maya Angelou