Jhondal Shamel Harper

Jhondal Shamel Harper, known to most as Jhonny or JD, was born on August 1st, 1990 in Queens, New York to Sandra Harper and Aderemi Kelly. With JD it was always an adventure especially growing up with his three siblings. He loved to joke and tease everyone especially his baby sister Chante and little brother Daivonn. He was also very protective of his younger siblings; only he was allowed to tease them.

He could always make you laugh and his loyalty was sincere. He was reliable and ambitious. Jhonny looked up to his older brother Shameek, who JD proudly called ‘Big Bro.’ He graduated from Guilford High on June 7th, 2010 and furthered his education at Guilford Technical Community College in September of 2011. During very difficult circumstances he acquired a Barber's License. Jhondal was empowered early on by working at the neighborhood grocery store. At the age of ten, he earned his own money to buy extra school clothes. Through the influence of Shameek he became an entrepreneur and pursued the goal of being his own boss. He shined through every challenge and succeeded through everything. JD's smile could light up a room and his laugh was infectious. With the tough love of his mother and Aunt Dee Dee he became a strong minded gentlemen. He always loved food and couldn’t get enough of his Grandma’s banana pudding and chicken cutlets. He was a New York Yankees and New England Patriots fan and loved to watch the games with his brothers. Along his journey he created a beautiful, kind, smart, sweet daughter, Jai’la, who he protected and provided for since the minute she arrived in his world. She was and still is his pride and joy.

Thank you to everyone who came to honor Jhondal.

And remember “You ugly…”

Jhondal Shamel Harper is survived by his daughter, Jai’la Sandra Harper; his mother, Sandra Kim Harper; father, Aderemi Kelly; brothers, Aderemi Shameek Kelly, Daivonn Lameek Kelly, and Lameek Aderemi Kelly; sister, Chante Deasia Harper; grandmothers, Saundia Kelly and Philis Harper; great grandfather, William Rufus Kelly; nephew, Aderemi Kelly Jr.; niece, Yvonne Kelly; aunts; uncles; and a host of relatives and families.