House Resolution 405
By: Representative Beckles of the 96th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, with saddened hearts, we acknowledge the passing of a beloved soul and
celebrate a life well lived; and
WHEREAS, Vanise Ayanna Kilgore, affectionately known as Ayanna, departed this life on
February 19, 2025, in Duluth, Georgia, surrounded by the love of her family; and
WHEREAS, Ayanna was born on July 16, 1975, in Austell, Georgia, to Fletrice Blanton and
the late Roy Lee Watson, and from an early age, she embodied love, warmth, and a spirit of
servitude that endeared her to all who knew her; and
WHEREAS, she demonstrated a deep love for children and a strong commitment to faith,
dedicating herself to her church community through the children's ministry and youth
department, shaping the lives of young people with care and devotion; and
WHEREAS, Ayanna shared an unbreakable bond with her beloved brother, Nevin, and
together they created cherished memories that spoke to their inseparable love and sibling
camaraderie; and
WHEREAS, at the tender age of 13, Ayanna met her soulmate, Jonathan Kilgore, with whom
she built a life of unwavering partnership, faith, and adventure, raising their three beloved
children, Jonysia "Nysi," Jemarcus "Marcus," and Jadyn, and embracing the joy of
grand-parenthood as an adoring "Omi" to John Westley and Rohen Upshaw; and
WHEREAS, Ayanna's profound love for her family manifested in her fierce devotion as a
mother, empowering her children to achieve their dreams, supporting their ambitions, and
exemplifying resilience, determination, and unconditional love; and
WHEREAS, she was a distinguished scholar and a proud "Double Dawg," earning degrees
from the University of Georgia, Bob Jones University, and Kairos University, paving the way
for future generations through her commitment to education and mentorship; and
WHEREAS, Ayanna's career as an educator and entrepreneur flourished, from her early
teaching years in Clarke County Public Schools and Timothy Christian Academy to the
founding of The Little Cherubim Early Learning Facility and Pathways Educational
Solutions, serving as a beacon of learning and excellence in her community; and
WHEREAS, she extended her impact beyond borders, dedicating her time and resources to
mission work in Mexico, Cape Town, South Africa, and Mbabane, Eswatini, embodying a
life of service, love, and compassion for others; and
WHEREAS, Ayanna's legacy of kindness, wisdom, and faith will continue to shine in the
lives of all those she touched, and her memory will remain a guiding light for her family,
friends, and community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore,
recognizing her remarkable contributions, unwavering love, and steadfast faith, and may her
spirit forever inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Vanise Ayanna Kilgore.