Jahmon Reed

Jahmon Reed, born Clark Jackson Stallworth Brown on September 21, 1967 in Demopolis, Alabama was the first born child of Irma Reed Brown and Ronald Charles Brown. He was affectionately referred to as “Jay” by his family - a name that was given to him by his late grandmother Rosie Reed who called him “Jay Bird.”

Jahmon graduated high school from North Carolina School of Art in Winston Salem, NC in 1987. While possessing natural gifts of drawing and illustration, his exposure to performing arts while attending NCSA was a great influence giving him a lifelong appreciate of every form of art. He attended East Carolina University and later moved to New York. While in New York, Jahmon attended the prestigious Parsons School of Design and received a B.S. degree in Graphic Arts from New York City College in 2006. His passion for the Arts inspired his life and led him to obtain a position with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This was Jay’s dream come true. He could spend his days giving visitors tours and lectures on artwork from around the world and earn a living at the same time.

Jay's generosity was legendary. Not only was he willing to give of himself, his infectious laugh and spirit, but he made world famous red velvet cakes that were a staple among his NY friends and North Carolina family during the holidays. Jay also had a superstar idol-Diana Ross. Jay had an unwavering love for Diana Ross and her story of rising from humble beginnings to achieve her dreams and goals gave Jay continued inspiration during difficult times.

God called our gifted Jay back to be among the angels in heaven. It seems way too soon for us to let him go but God has a greater plan. Jay is survived by his parents, Ronald Brown and Irma Reed Quinn, his sister Kimberly Brown Drumgo of Raleigh, NC , nephews Corey and Kaden and niece Kayla Rose. He also leaves a host of cousins and dear friends. In his death we shall learn to celebrate life and art and all the beauty it offers us. His creative legacy will live on in one of his nephews or nieces and the next generation will demonstrate their artistic passion through life’s canvas the way Jay shared his zeal with us. His passing has deeply affected his friends who wish to say, "Someday, we'll be together".

A Celebration of Jay's Life was held on Saturday, May 21st at 4:00 pm, Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com