“You set the standard, and the tone
On your own you was the boss
Kaylin Jones know the name her legacy is never lost
Costly price we all paid? But I see a different angle
A triangle of love between your family, friends and God…he was tired of lending out his Angel ….Rest in Heaven.”
She loved my music so I found it fitting to start off with a poem. As a close long time friend, it’s not just me who felt the tremendous hurt from this lost, it’s countless children, family and friends who she impacted her entire life.
Her many accomplishments in the community (Milwaukee Bucks Minority Leader Award, Youth Care Supervisor Awards, among many others) precede her, but personally I want to paint a picture of who I knew this woman of God, champion of the community to be.
Accepting Christ at the age of 12 at the Vessels of Honor Church, along with her various youth work in the church, set the frame work for her life long dedication to youth And helping others.
I met her during her 12 year tenure at Silver Spring Center, in which she started at 15 in a drivers ed program. She would eventually become the Youth and Teen Coordinator, coaching the AAU Milwaukee Spartans basketball team, and so many other capacities. As someone who looked to her as a friend and great woman of God , I took care of her as such, because she would immerse herself so much into her work, that she would forget to eat. She gave her heart, soul to the children she was responsible for, and called out anyone who did not do them right. I would call her and say “Kaylin did you eat let me bring something” she would always say “thank you that’s sweet, but I don’t know if I have time.” I would bring it anyway throughout the years, because I know she would get home after working extended days , 16 hours plus and barely eat one meal. Her dedication knew no bounds, she would pick children up at all hours of the night , let them stay with her, it is no wonder she would frequently say “I’m not having kids,” she mothered and nurtured so many. When she accepted the position of Dean Of Students at Milwaukee Academy Of Science , the first thing I said was “ hey let me pay for you to go vacation so you can relax before you start.” It never panned out as she told me she needed to work a second job, but I knew she wanted more money to help others.
I’n February of this year, she accepted a ministers license from VOH church , cemented her legacy with one final title, a crown before she went on to receive the ultimate crown from God. I love you we all did as it was demonstrated at your home going, the elegance and the amount of people made the love obvious. Surely a street, a day, and mentoring program will be named after you. Till we meet again…
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