Jawara was the first born of 10 siblings of a young Rastafarian couple. He truly embraced his role of being the big brother. He spent his formative years in Brooklyn, NY. There, he was reared in a loving village where all of the mothers were your momma and all of the brothers were your dad. There he learned not only to respect his parents but respect all elders. He was a Dread lock Vanguard in his elementary school which was well before the time when wearing locks were popular. He was often teased, but he learned strength as it built his character. At the age of 12, he decided to no longer wear his locks, a decision was supported by his mother. This was okay, because his bravery opened the door for future dreadlock children to be accepted in the mainstream. Although he no longer had his locks, he remained a Rasta youth at heart.
At the age of 13, Jawara moved to Raleigh, NC. There, he later graduated from Milbrook High School, and took classes for Business Management at Wake Technical Community College. From basketball, he earned the name “Sticky Jay” for his quickness and defensive ability which allowed him to steal the ball. Prior to venturing into entrepreneurship, Jawara honed his ability to negotiate and sell at TelNet where he became a high performer, working his way to team lead. Thereafter he owned two businesses, S&J vending and Burke Business LLC. He was passionate about his family and took his responsibility as the eldest child to heart with every action and every maneuver he made. Having the special gift of communication he was able to touch numerous lives. He was considered everyone’s best friend. More than life itself, Jawara loved his daughter Jah’Naia. Jawara was known for helping his grandmother, whom he enjoyed spending time with. Jawara loved his family and friends unconditionally, a servant at heart, a peaceful warrior, a phenomenal son, a loving dad, an amazing man. He will be missed by many.
Jawara leaves behind his beloved daughter Jah’Naia Yosmine Burke, step daughters Nariah and Nevaeh Joyner that he was honored to raise, and their mother Marcella Lynch.
Parents: Sharon Burke and Robert Sparkes, Janice Laurore and KCee.Grandmothers: Valerie Mulvaney and Winona Robinson. Siblings: Najuma, Kiwatu, Nikkiya, Tanisha, Natasha, Rachmyel, Abner, Mikhayel, Tzadi, Halima-Joy, Jason, Carlo, Jessika, and Joshua. Divine, Fritz, Isaac, Ricardo, Catherine, Adriea, & Drew. Aunts & Uncles: Ronald Barrett, Peter Burke, Karen & Leonard Haynes, Majorie Mulvaney, Carol Sparkes, Dolly Sparkes and Donette Mulvaney. Godmother: Mama Aklile Clarke. Honorary Mother: Shariz Alamin. Chosen Brothers & Sisters: Courtney, Jennifer, Ice, Jasmine, Hailey, Hannah, Shaun, Shyst, GK, Nelson, DeMarcus, Omar, Manny, Van, and so many niece, nephews, cousins & friends.
