Tavorrye M. Whitaker-Lemons

Tavorrye Malik Whitaker-Lemons was the oldest child born to Shantea Whitaker and the late Ernest Lemons Jr. on March 26, 1996, in Hot Springs, Ark. Tavorrye accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He was a child who loved to be outside and “living at the Boys & Girls Club.” Tavorrye liked looking out and taking care of his younger brother, Keaston. One time in particular, he cooked two T-bone steaks and baked potatoes for their lunch at the Boy’s Club. It was there he developed a passion for boxing under the late Coach Willie McCoy. He attended Hot Springs World Class High School until his tenth grade year and later went to Lakeside High School for a semester before returning to Hot Springs, Ark. Tavorrye moved to Las Vegas, Nev., at the beginning of his eleventh grade year with his cousin Cedric Allen. It was there he was introduced to Floyd Mayweather’s Junior Boxing League called “TMT” or The Money team. When he was supposed to be attending school, it was discovered boxing and gym time conflicted. So he dropped out of school to become an amateur boxer. Tavorrye was preparing to turn pro when his opponent dropped out after reviewing Tavorrye’s prior fight. He returned to Hot Springs, Ark., just a few months ago.

Tavorrye’s untimely passing has left an unexplained void in the hearts of his mother: Shantea Whitaker; brother: Keaston Thomas; girlfriend and mother of his beautiful daughter, Keirra Jenkins; daughter: Kaylani Myte’Ella Whitaker-Lemons; and a host of other relatives.

Visitation: 3-6 p.m. today, May 15, at the funeral home. Graveside: noon May 16 at Mountain Pine Community Cemetery, Mountain Pine, Ark.

To leave condolences visit http://www.samuellvanceandsons.com Arrangements entrusted to Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors-Malvern, 501-337-0100.