Raynard Ellyson Sessoms

Raynard Ellyson Sessoms was born August 18th, 1952 in Washington D.C. to loving parents Curtis and Lucy Sessoms. Raynard was a true Washingtonian, attending Bunker Hill Elementary School, Bertie Bacus Junior High School, and was a proud alumnus of McKinley Tech High School. At an early age he developed his knack for connecting with people and had a truly magnetic personality. It was in these early years that he forged many lifelong friendships that he carried and cherished throughout every phase of his life. Upon graduation, he chose to remain home in the city he loved and attended Bowie State University, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. With a passion for public service and exploring criminal justice reform, he embarked on a 30+ year career of dedicated service to the D.C. Department of Corrections and Board of Parole.

Raynard was always a man of faith, with deeply rooted family values and a concrete foundation instilled in him by his mother, who was the most cherished and important person in his life. Even while balancing his career, fatherhood, service to his community, and other endeavors, nothing came above the daily love and dedication he gave in her ailing years as her in-home caretaker for over 6 years. The depths of their bond was limitless and exemplified a true testament of what it means to “honor thy mother”.

Fatherhood ushered in a new chapter in Raynard's life, one filled with great purpose, love and endless fond memories. Despite all of his accomplishments and life-long relationships, nothing made him happier than being a Dad. Having lost his father at the early age of 5, he took great pride in the responsibility of fatherhood, and made it his purpose to set a new example for his two sons. From coaching sports, camping trips, fishing, life lectures, black history teachings, politics, music, photography and so much more, he was truly a renaissance man and the ultimate life coach for his boys.

In his later years, his love for fatherhood would only be surpassed by the joy of being called Grandpa. He loved every second he could spend with his grandson and never wasted an opportunity to brag on how bright his future would be, the things they’d do together and just how proud he was of “his boy”. After a lengthy bout with a heart condition, Raynard transitioned home to be with his heavenly father on Friday November 24th, 2023 in his childhood home.

Raynard was preceded in death by his beloved parents Curtis and Lucy Sessoms, and brother Curtis Allen Sessoms (Debra Sessoms).

After 71 blessed years of life Raynard is survived by his two sons: Aaron Best (Ashley Best) and Justin Sessoms, his grandson: Aiden Best, and nephews: Lance Sessoms and Kellen Sessoms (Darian Sessoms). He is also survived by cousins Jocelyn Mingo, Edsil Dacons and many other cherished family and friends.

Raynard was a true renaissance man in every sense of the word. Though he is gone from us physically, the shadow of his legacy and the impact he made on those he loved lives on.