HR405: HR405 Kilgore, Vanise Ayanna; condolences
2025-2026 Regular Session · Introduced version · Last action February 26, 2025
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House Resolution 405
By: Representative Beckles of the 96th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore; and for other purposes.1
WHEREAS, with saddened hearts, we acknowledge the passing of a beloved soul and2
celebrate a life well lived; and3
WHEREAS, Vanise Ayanna Kilgore, affectionately known as Ayanna, departed this life on4
February 19, 2025, in Duluth, Georgia, surrounded by the love of her family; and5
WHEREAS, Ayanna was born on July 16, 1975, in Austell, Georgia, to Fletrice Blanton and6
the late Roy Lee Watson, and from an early age, she embodied love, warmth, and a spirit of7
servitude that endeared her to all who knew her; and8
WHEREAS, she demonstrated a deep love for children and a strong commitment to faith,9
dedicating herself to her church community through the children 's ministry and youth10
department, shaping the lives of young people with care and devotion; and11
WHEREAS, Ayanna shared an unbreakable bond with her beloved bro ther, Nevin, and12
together they created cherished memories that spoke to their in separable love and sibling13
camaraderie; and14
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WHEREAS, at the tender age of 13, Ayanna met her soulmate, Jonathan Kilgore, with whom15
she built a life of unwavering partnership, faith, and adventur e, raising their three beloved16
children, Jonysia "Nysi," Jemarcus "Marcus," and Jadyn, and emb racing the joy of17
grand-parenthood as an adoring "Omi" to John Westley and Rohen Upshaw; and18
WHEREAS, Ayanna's profound love for her family manifested in her fierce devotion as a19
mother, empowering her children to achieve their dreams, suppor ting their ambitions, and20
exemplifying resilience, determination, and unconditional love; and21
WHEREAS, she was a distinguished scholar and a proud "Double Dawg," earning degrees22
from the University of Georgia, Bob Jones University, and Kairos University, paving the way23
for future generations through her commitment to education and mentorship; and24
WHEREAS, Ayanna's career as an educator and entrepreneur flouri shed, from her early25
teaching years in Clarke County Public Schools and Timothy Chri stian Academy to the26
founding of The Little Cherubim Early Learning Facility and Pat hways Educational27
Solutions, serving as a beacon of learning and excellence in her community; and28
WHEREAS, she extended her impact beyond borders, dedicating her time and resources to29
mission work in Mexico, Cape Town, South Africa, and Mbabane, Eswatini, embodying a30
life of service, love, and compassion for others; and31
WHEREAS, Ayanna's legacy of kindness, wisdom, and faith will co ntinue to shine in the32
lives of all those she touched, and her memory will remain a gu iding light for her family,33
friends, and community.34
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35
the members of this body honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore,36
recognizing her remarkable contributions, unwavering love, and steadfast faith, and may her37
spirit forever inspire those who follow in her footsteps.38
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the40
family of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore. 41
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