Obituary

In Brooklyn New York, on August 19, 1993 Veda Howard and Bryant Kershaw were blessed with the second of their two children, a beautiful bouncing baby boy. Although a preemie, he was Good, Pleasing, Approved, so they named him “IRI.” Iri Gerard Kershaw to be exact.

Iri’s younger years were spent creating fabulous memories with his siblings, cousins and many other family and friends in Brooklyn. This included countless days at Grandma Sweetie’s house with Mia, NuNu, Cierra, Deja and Sugar (Jada). Hundreds of hours at the park with aunt Glenda. And, frequent fabulous family outings. Including Cantique Park where he infamously demonstrated his high diving skills.

In 2008, Iri relocated to Chesterfield Virginia with his dad and extended family. Here, he completed his high school education and in 2010 met the love of his life.. Krista Reese.

IRI and Krista made it official in 2020. Their union produce four adorable children, two girls and two boys. All spitting images of their dad… A visual legacy.

Biblically, IRI means Fire, Light. And, he was truly that. A genuine element of happy, kind, bold, courageous and high energy that shined even through adversity. His name also means spontaneous and humorous. A quality, we all can attest, he definitely exuded effortlessly. Including that face he made that caused even his bear of a dad to crack up. Then there’s his creativity. He was an innate tinker. Always try to fix or put something together. But his talent didn’t stop there. As a tattooist and landscaper he exhibited even more talent.

It was said that Iri didn’t really like his name. He didn’t like to explain it. He even took on the name of “Robbie” when a friend one day told him that’s what he looked like. Clearly he didn’t realize the blessings it poured into him each time he was called IRI and he in turn poured out to those around him. Scripture speak many times about the power in a name. He was truly IRI!

IRI was preceded to Glory by grandparents:. Ronald Kershaw, Waverly Howard, Ronald “Grandpa Ronnie” Davis and Claudine “Grandma Sweetie” Kershaw.

To Cherish his memory he leaves: Loving wife Krista Kershaw; children Iriana, Imari, Imani and Irie Kershaw; parents Veda Howard (Gloria Donegan), Bryant Kershaw (LaVanda); mother and father-in-law Elaine and Michael Jackson; grandparent Leroy Howard; siblings Mia and Keanu Kershaw, T’airah Hightower, Precious and Samirah Johnson-Dyer, Akeem Howard and Christian Mensah; niece Milani Faulk; nephew Kaden Jenkins; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins & Friends.

Gone Too Soon

May Your Fire Burn Eternally in Our Hearts and Your Light Forever Shine