Mr. Kenrick Matthew Andrew Gittens

Funeral service for Mr. Kenrick Matthew Andrew Gittens, 45 of Killeen, TX will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. 

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the funeral home. 

Services can be viewed by clicking on the link below:    Passcode - 001https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88508261507?pwd=FDKMNM8YS63aQiLascasdsIptAxi9j.1 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenrick Andrew Matthew Gittens, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and hero, who departed this life on May 27, 2025, at the age of 45. 

Kenrick—affectionately known as “Gitty” by many—was born on January 12, 1980, in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Mary Gittens and Neville Dewitt “Chef” Matthew. In 1985, at the tender age of five, Kenrick and his family moved to New York. He attended school there and, for a short time, also attended school with extended family in San Antonio, Texas. Kenrick eventually returned to New York to complete his education and graduated in 1998 from the well-known Sarah J. Hale High School, once regarded as a premier school for the arts in Brooklyn, New York, and famously featured in the 1982–1987 television sitcom Fame, starring Debbie Allen. Shortly after graduating, Kenrick made the brave and selfless decision to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army on September 16, 1998. It was during this time that Kenrick truly became the man we now remember as “Gitty.” He would often say these were the most fulfilling years of his life. 

As a Cannon Crewman, Gitty served three tours in Iraq. In April 2003, alongside his comrades and lifelong brothers of the Steele Professionals 3/18 Field Artillery Bravo Battery, he helped build Fire Base Steele from the ground up. That year marked a monumental chapter for those men. Bonded for life, Them Boys made us proud. His final duty station was at Fort Hood, Texas, from 2010 to 2013, where he settled his family in the nearby city of Killeen. Gitty's military service earned him numerous awards and citations for bravery, dedication, and leadership. He separated honorably from the Army in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of honor and patriotism. Gitty now rests in the loving arms of his grandparents, “Mom” Martina Gittens and "Dad" Eric Gittens. He joins his father, Neville Matthew, and his mother- and father-in- law, Roosevelt and Betty Parker, in eternal peace. 

Raised in a large and loving family, Gitty-second-to-last of Mary's children—valued family above all else. This deep-rooted love shaped the way he built and protected his own family. Gitty wore many titles: beloved son, big little brother, devoted husband, protective father and uncle, loyal friend—and simply put, a hero to us all. Kenrick is survived by his wife of 22 years, Serita Nicole Gittens, whom he lovingly referred to using the military term "Household 6" for 25 years. Together they raised 10 children: Nicholas, Dimitri, Duvallé, Ciera (and her husband Emmanuel Tutt), Darrell (and his wife Tiffany), Jayla, Jaysa, and Jayda. 

He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren: Ariena, D'Mere, Avian, Patience, King, Johnvere', Morgan, Integrity, Aloure, Lennox Kenrick, Lailah, Larry, Malakai, Camren, MaHarri, Daniya, Amari, Mason, Teagan, and Zoey.

As an extension of his love, Kenrick also helped raise in his very home: nieces and nephews Adam Washington, Arika Ross, Alexis Washington, Nicole Gittens, Mckenzie Gittens, Sharona Bowen, Mosiah Bowen, and Domonic Heinze. He was a godfather to D'Anthony Eldridge, Christian Russell, Sheldon Brown, Kiera Adams, and Raymond McKinnon. 

He was cherished by his siblings, Mary's children: Florentina, William, George, Anthony, Andre, Keldare, and Kellie Gittens. Neville's children: Donalyn, Franklyn, Joanne, Judith, Dawn, Al, Idris, Khadija, Khalid, and Samantha Matthew. He now reunites in rest with his late siblings, Collette and Denfield Matthew, with whom he shared deep and unbreakable bonds. He also shared special and enduring relationships with his sisters-in-law, Demetris “Cookie” Washington and Pamela Cogley, who continue to carry his memory with love and strength. Kenrick was also deeply connected to his extended family. His mother Mary's siblings —Joslyn Robinson, Franklyn Ince, Nevlyn Ince, Samuel Ince, Sheridan Gittens, Reginald Gittens, and Yvonne Gittens helped form the strong family foundation that shaped his character. He was the proud uncle of more than 67 nieces and nephews, each of whom was touched by his love and presence. 

To those who truly knew Gitty, he was more than a father, he was a rock, a protector, a motivator, and a source of laughter and wisdom. He extended grace to all, and while he didn't make many "friends,” it was because he made family wherever he went. Kenrick lived his life in service to others, through his call of duty in the U.S. Army, his Masonic family (Mason Corner Stone Lodge 19 and Desert of Killeen 191), and his beloved brotherhood—the Often Imitated but Never Duplicated Turtles of Killeen. He did what he loved most, helping others and loving his family and friends, both near and far. 

Gitty was far from quiet. He often reminded us, “Quiet mouths don't get fed." He believed in speaking up and speaking out to succeed. He loved loudly and openly, and that's what we all loved and admired about him the most. As he celebrated and witnessed our many milestones, we now gather to celebrate his life. His strength was often silent but steadfast. Even during personal struggles, illness, and pain, he pushed forward for the sake of his loved ones. He carried himself with dignity, worked tirelessly to support his family, and rarely let others see his burdens. Kenrick's loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. His “Gitty-ness”-That rare mix of compassion, energy, humor, and dedication—left a lasting mark on everyone around him. He was a mentor to many, a role model to all, and the embodiment of what it means to be a man of integrity and love. 

He leaves behind a legacy of service, family, and strength. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. May he rest in eternal peace.