Kevin La'Mar Maryland

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

On October 5, 1974 in Los Angeles CA, Louis and Frankie Maryland welcomed the youngest of 3 sons. Their enthusiastic bundle of joy was named Kevin La’Mar, which means “kind, gentle, and handsome". Louis and Frankie were delighted because his birth was a miracle, and a welcomed addition to the Maryland clan. His siblings are Karl, Christine, Sylvia, and Donna. On February 1st 2021 his father and brother joyfully welcomed him into his celestial home, along with a heavenly host of family and friends.

Kevin received his early education at Harbor City Christian and Calvary Christian schools where he was boldly equipped to put on the whole armor of God, which aligned with values being taught at home. These schools were some distance from his home which required him to learn to navigate transportation routes in order to attend school and play after school sports. He was also an active member of the youth department of Holy Cross Full Gospel Baptist Church in Los Angeles, under the leadership of Bishop Kenneth Breaux.

At age 12 Kevin worked and earned enough money to purchase his own horse (Samantha). This taught him parental responsibility because he had to provide for all her basic needs. For several years he was proud to be titled the “youngest cowboy” to ride with his group at the Martin Luther King parade.

He attended the Compton Unified School District’s Willowbrook Jr. High and both Centennial and Compton High schools. At Compton High he played on the water Polo Team. The family later moved to Covina, CA. He attended Charter Oak High School and he played varsity Football, where his speed and uniquely small frame proved to be an asset to the team.

After graduation Kevin attended the University of Virginia, where he pursued and developed a love for writing. He became involved with The Writer’s Workshop and specialized in Poetry. This experience helped him when he later taught writing skills to community youth, as an employee of the City of Covina Department of Parks and Recreation's after school program. Aspiring to remain marketable, Kevin became certified in the field of Water Treatment. He also became certified by the State of California as a licensed armed security guard.

During the early spring of his life, a love and close bond was formed with Carrie Wilburn, and to this partnership was born two sons, Kili La’Maja, and Jacob Omar Maryland. As Kevin’s life moved toward summer, he found new love with Sabrina Anderson, and their blended son Armel Jackson. Through their love, the sunshine of his life was born, Ki'Aura Lei’Lani Maryland "little princess".

Now that his legacy was established, Kevin's focus changed to maximizing his earning potential.

Becoming a firefighter had long been his professional goal. Through hard work and diligence his goal was actualized through training from the California Conservation Corp, where he promoted to a local Cal Fire unit. This was the most rewarding of his career endeavors. On any given day if you asked Kevin who he was, he would say, with his infectious smile, “I AM A FIREFIGHTER”.

Kevin had a very kind and compassionate spirit, and at an early age convinced his mom to open their home to other boys who became his "blended brothers". Upon hearing of his transition, they affectionately described him as debonair, loving, loyal, understanding, compassionate, intelligent, brave, angelic, and genius.

Kevin’s walk with the Lord was steadfast and serious. He and his family were affiliated with New Direction Church of God in Christ, Bishop Raymond R. Watts, Pastor. Last year Kevin rededicated his life to the Lord, giving even the angels a reason to rejoice.

Left to cherish his memory are his Loving mother Dr. Frankie Maryland-Alston; sons, Kili and Omar Maryland and Armel Jackson; daughter Ki’Aura Maryland; brother Karl Maryland; sisters Sylvia Maryland Christine Maryland-Wright (Sam Wright Sr.), Donna Parker; nephews Johnny, Joseph and Geral; nieces Bryona, Sabrina and Felicity; 2 great nieces and 4 great nephews; a host of blended Sisters & Brothers, relatives and friends.