Kenya H. Pearson

KENYA HOPE PEARSON was born to Tylisha Pearson and Demario Herold on April 8, 2000. Kenya, one of six children, was raised at home in a loving and caring environment by her mother until her needs required her to transition to Second Chance at the age of 13 where Ben Francois, LPN led her care. She then moved to Pools of Bethesda Community Services, where she resided from age 21 to 23. Both facilities treated Kenya with love, respect, and dignity. Kenya was born with cerebral palsy and brain damage, and doctors warned she would not live past infancy. Yet God had plans for Kenya to touch the lives of many, and she did just that for over 23 years. Her life is a testimony that only God knows our destiny, and no one can count you out when He has a plan for you. Despite her disabilities, Kenya Hope Pearson enjoyed many of the typical adolescent milestones. She attended the William S. Baer School in Baltimore and the Elizabeth Rieg Regional Center in Bowie. She graduated on June 1, 2021, at the age of 21, as is customary for students with her abilities. On May 12, 2018, Kenya attended her senior prom. She wore a pretty floral dress and pearls while riding the red carpet with her family by her side. Kenya Hope Pearson loved to swim. Every time she entered the water, she smiled warmly and instantly relaxed. She also loved lollipops. When she was a baby, her mother would feed her lollipops, and her excitement was evident. Kenya had the most beautiful head of hair, and her eyebrows were flawless. Her “perfume” of choice was Lavender Baby Lotion. Although Kenya was non-verbal, she had a big personality. Kenya would open her eyes to certain words and familiar voices. And if she did not want to be bothered by you, she would close her eyes and pretend to be asleep Often, the nurses would prop Kenya up at the nurses’ station, where she would “greet” the incoming visitors. To know Kenya was to love her, and how loved she was. Kenya Hope Pearson leaves to cherish her memory: Tylisha Pearson (mother) Demario Herold (father); six siblings, Taijah Bayton (sister) Keyon Brandon (brother), Malik Herold (brother), Khahleel Herold (brother), Keegan Herold (brother); Christopher Herold (brother), Gwendolyn Medley (grandmother), Donna Eades (grandmother), Jock Pearson (grandfather), Thomas Herold (grandfather), Leo Blanks (grandfather), Evangelin Pearson (great grandmother), Donna Pearson (uncle), Avis Stanley (aunt), Beryl Cooper (aunt), Dimetrus Herold (uncle), Antonio Herold (uncle) Shante’ Blanks (aunt), Korrell Trollmann (aunt), and Latoya Durant (aunt); cousins, Martia, Van, Se’daysia, Jaiden, Kamil, Madisyn, Blake, Christian, and Sebastian Kenya also leaves behind to grieve a host ofother family member and friends.

Tributes

Kenya H. Pearson

April 8, 2000 - May 11, 2023