A handsome baby boy was born to Laquita Sallis and Douglas Gardner on January 19, 1994, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They named him Keyonté DeShawn Sallis. From an early age, Keyonté accepted Christ and was baptized at St. Luke Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Keyonté carried a beautiful soul, an amazing spirit, and a generous heart. He attended Fort Gibson and Muskogee Public Schools and later worked in construction and for the Cherokee Nation. He truly loved spending time with his son, attending family gatherings, fishing with his brothers, and doing anything that allowed him to be outdoors. He adored his grandmother, Edna "Cherry" Bryant, and his Aunt Tia. Their bond was unbreakable, filled with endless love, laughter, and support.
Keyonté's big, warm smile could light up any room. He took great pride in his appearance—always dressed in a fresh, clean outfit and wearing the finest-smelling cologne. He was loved and cherished by many.
Keyonté was preceded in death by his mother, Sherry Laquita Sallis ("Quita"); his grandfather, John Bryant; his uncle, John Bryant Jr. ("Cody"); his great-grandparents, Home and Jessie Sallis; and a host of other loved ones who went before him.
He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his son, Kylan DeShawn Sallis of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his brother, Deonté Sallis of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; his father, Douglas "Doug" Gardner of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his cherished grandparents, Edna "Cherry" Bryant of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and Phint Gross of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his aunts, Tia Sallis of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and Angella Henderson of Plano, Texas; his uncle, Johnathon Gross of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his niece, Aniyah; his nephews, Brayson ("Buddy"), Deonté Jr., and Kodye; his brothers, Javonté and Treonté Sallis of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; his great-aunts, Ruby Cole of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Kathleen Johnson of Morris, Oklahoma, Anna Bryant of Washington, D.C., and Enora Gold of Georgia; his great-great-aunt, Bertha Sallis of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4
