On September 19, 2003, at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Missouri, I was blessed with one of the greatest gifts of my life-my firstborn son, DeVonte Nathaniel Tyler.

Born to me, Ashlee Kemp, and dad, Jermaine Tyler, DeVonte came into this world already writing his own story. I remember when I received his birth certificate, I started laughing through my tears of happiness when I noticed something-DeVante, should've read DeVonte. That little mix-up might've thrown someone else off, but not my son. From the very beginning, DeVonte was someone who corrected what needed correcting. He lived his life that way-fixing what was broken, standing on what was true, and walking in his own name, even when others got it wrong. That "A" wasn't just a letter. It was his way of reminding the world: "I know who I am."
For a short time, it was just me and my baby boy. When I began a relationship with William "Cooley'' Jones-who had a son around DeVonte's age-our families blended. His son, known as Lil' Cooley, became one of DeVonte's best friends and brother in every way that mattered. From the time they were babies, they were practically inseparable.

Over time, our family grew, and DeVonte gained 10 siblings having a sister, who's the oldest, Zariah makes 11-each with their own unique bond. For DeVonte, family always came first. He was a mentor and pillar of strength not just for me, but for his younger brothers and sisters as well.

DeVonte shared a special closeness with his grandmother Mary Williams, my mother. A devoted Christian and the heart of our family, my mom and DeVonte had a relationship rooted in love, prayer, and mutual respect Her unwavering faith helped shape his spiritual walk, and he found both guidance and joy in her presence.

DeVonte was a sweet, lovable, and laid-back soul. At age six, he was introduced to football, first coached by his Uncle Antwan and Coach Corey. I'll be honest-he wasn't a natural at first But my son had heart, and he worked. Over time, he became a force on the field, playing multiple positions-quarterback, cornerback, but he stood out best with safety and running back. He was hard to tackle and never missed a tackle-with talent, intelligence, and hustle.

By the time he was a freshman in high school, teachers and coaches were already telling us college scouts were watching him Football wasn't just a sport to DeVonte-it was part of his purpose. He believed in himself and dreamed of a career in the NFL. In 2022, DeVonte graduated from Valley View High School in Blue Springs, MO, and it was during this time he developed his clothing brand, Damaged Takeover. It reflected his story of resilience, his struggle, and his strength. But my son was never just one thing. He had a deep love for music, fashion, and expressing his inner world.

On August 21, 2023, our lives shifted-his daughter, SiYanni Avia Wiley Tyler, was born. From that moment forward, DeVonte became a devoted father. He made sure SiYanni knew about the Word, about meditation, and about the Most High-Yahuah. He was intentional in his spiritual journey, and he wanted that same peace and grounding for his daughter.

Before his untimely passing, DeVonte was working for the United States Postal Service. I was so proud of my son for securing a solid job and building a stable life for his family. He was a hard worker-dependable, focused, and determined to provide for his daughter and create a better future.

DeVonte was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers Clyde Kemp Sr., Alton Woods, Jerry Bailey, Bishop Garfield Tyler, and Elder Willie Sanders; great-grandmothers Annie B. Woods, Corrine Meriweather, and Lee Anner Sanders; his grandmother Anna Marie Harris; and his great-aunt Dale Kemp and uncle Curly Tyler aka (DaDa).

He leaves behind a family who adored him: his mother, Ashlee Kemp; his dad Jermaine Tyler; and his bonus father, William Jones (pops)
He is also survived by his great-grandparents, Emma "Granny" Tyler, Frankie Kemp, Terry (Terrell) Sterling, and Ronald Larkin; his grandparents, Mary Williams, Clyde Kemp, Jr., Regina and James Tyler Sr., Dwayne and Meredith Sterling, and Lisa Jones; his bonus moms, Sade Garr and Jasmine Julu; his daughter, SiYanni Avia Wiley Tyler, and her mother, Sanyiah Wiley.
DeVonte's siblings include Zariah, William, Miracle, Razion, Daeja, Mahki, Janiya, Arlando, Jermaine Jr., Sion, and YahshurL He also leaves behind his great-uncle Kenneth Sr, and Rasheem; uncles Vincent Jr and Tu Wana; James Jr, Jason, Emmual, Stephen, and Blake; aunts Elisha, Deja, and Brittany. And a host of cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

DeVonte's light shined bright in every space he entered. His time here may have been short, but he left an eternal impact. As his mother, initially I carried him for nine months and now I carry him with me always-in my spirit, my soul, and my every breath. My son. My heart.
My first love. Rest in power, baby.