Mr. Ronald Jawara Quinn

Before Ronald Jawara Quinn created a painting, made someone laugh, or touched a life, he entered the world with a story of strength. After nearly twenty-four hours of labor, he arrived at 8:43 p.m. at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota—a beginning that reflected the determination and powerful spirit that would define his life.

Ronald’s education began in Minneapolis at Montessori School, where his curiosity and creativity first took root. He later attended Risen Christ Catholic School. After moving to Atlanta, he attended Peachtree Elementary School, then Julius West Middle School before the family relocated to Rockville, Maryland, where he attended Richard Montgomery High School. He went on to study at Woodbury University in Burbank, California.

A self-taught artist, Ronald began developing his gifts for drawing and painting at an early age without formal instruction. His artwork reflected his vivid imagination and distinctive view of the world, and he continued to nurture his passion for art throughout his life.

Ronald’s spirit, laughter, resilience, and kindness remain deeply imprinted on the hearts of all who knew and loved him, especially his siblings. Born only a year and a day apart—February 13, 1991, and February 14, 1992—Ronald and his brother, Fonati, shared a bond much like twins. He also shared a close, loving relationship with his older sister, Tasha. Ronald embraced his role as protector and comforter, caring for both siblings with a heart full of love.

With his mother holding his hand, Ronald answered God’s final call on July 14 at 2:17 p.m. at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. His passing leaves a void in our hearts, yet we remain profoundly grateful that God allowed us to share life with him. Ronald will be forever cherished by his loving mother, Ellen Korto Dunbar; his father, Ronald Jeffrey Quinn; his brother, Walimu Fonati Quinn; his sister, Tasha Nicole Quinn; and countless relatives throughout the Quinn, Dunbar, and Doe families.

Ronald’s life was enriched by the love and prayers of Mary Quinn, his late grandmother; Richard Dunbar; Aunt Sharon Quinn Patterson; Aunt Rita Quinn; godparents Isaac and Natalie Tukpah, Tilman and Laurie Gardiner, and Tshekedi and Sayonne Dennis; and aunties Ivy Morgan, Kuyu Morgan Goodrich, Hesta Pearson, Stevenette Sayeh, Massa Morgan, Eeron Grimes Holder, and Oludare and Hulda Ogunmadewa. May he rest in the embrace of our Lord Jesus.

Visitation will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on August 7, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on August 7, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, with live stream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26077303188693.

A Committal Service will follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 BLADENSBURG ROAD, Brentwood, MD 20722, on August 7, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 3 pm.