Jelani "Jay" Kafele Carter

It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of our beloved bother, Jelani Kafele Carter, who passed at home on January 10, 2024. He was 42 years old. He was a beloved brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jay, as he was called by friends and family alike, was born on September 22, 1981 in Decatur, GA to Irene Culver and Bennie Franklin Carter. His formative years were spent on the east coast, after which he moved to California in 1996 with his mother Irene and his brother Ben. He graduated from Palmdale High School in 1999. His interest in sports related fields led him to study kinesiology for which he received an Associate’s Degree from the University of Antelope Valley. Throughout his life, he participated in a number of sports including gymnastics, but Jay excelled in martial arts. He competed in numerous competitions, having received countless accolades and awards for his martial arts proficiency. Jay was even featured in local newspapers. In his professional life, he taught martial arts, rising to the level of Sensei, and trained mixed marital arts fighters. He also worked as a stunt coordinator for martial arts films, and performed demonstrations at local schools and parks and recreational centers to encourage young people to participate in martial arts.

On a personal level, Jay was generous to a fault, willing to give to any person needing a helping hand. He loved his family, and was very devoted to his friends. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends watching sports and martial arts, playing video games, going to movies, enjoying nature, and attending martial arts matches, encouraging and supporting the people he trained. He was known to encourage anyone to find their champion within regardless of their physical ability. His biggest joy was to see others succeed in obtaining their goals in life. His favorite pupil was his mother, whom he loved with all his heart. Despite our sorrow in the loss of Jelani, there is consolation in knowing that he has now joined his mother in the kingdom of heaven.

In June 2021, Jelani suffered a catastrophic medical event which resulted in significant disability. Prior to the event, he already faced health challenges with chronic illness, which led to the need for renal dialysis. Although he faced mounting medical challenges including the need for a double organ transplant, he found the strength within to persevere, hoping to once again fully compete at the professional level.

Jelani is predeceased by his mother, Irene Culver (d. November 19, 2020); he is survived by his father, Bennie Franklin Carter; his brothers, Kimani Kanaan Carter of Olympia, WA, Ben Damon (Margarita) Carter of Palmdale, CA, and Shomari Carter; his sisters Maya Jamilah Carter of Atlanta, GA, Nyasha Carter, Zakiya Carter, and Ayesha Carter.