Kelly Haymon

Kelly Dywanna Haymon was born on February 19, 1996, to Veronica Hayes. She was later adopted by Patricia and Melton Haymon, who became the foundation of her life. Kelly was a force-fiercely loving, deeply loyal, and unapologetically herself. She embraced her family with an intensity that matched the fire in her spirit. Kelly departed this life on February 1st, 2025. She loved hard, fought passionately, and never backed down from what she believed in.
Kelly was affectionately known to family and friends as Tweety Bird, Kelly had a presence that filled every room, a beautiful smile.
She received her early education from the East Orange Public school and Brookdale Christian school in Bloomfield, NJ. After moving to Burlington Township, she attended Life Center Academy and graduated from Burlington Township High School in 2014. Aspiring to be an attorney, Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kean University-because if Kelly was going to argue, she was going to argue with facts. Kelly was taught the foundation of faith at an early age in church where she was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, in Newark, NJ. She served as the President of the Youth Ministry, was a dedicated member of the choir. Her spirit of leadership, devotion, and joy resonated with everything she did in her church.
Kelly had a particularly close bond with her parents, Patricia & Melton Haymon, and her little sister, Aniyah Haymon. Their relationship was one rooted in deep love, mutual support, and unwavering connection. She loved spending time with her little cousins-Hassan (HJ), Anthony, and Ayden-who adored her just as much as she adored them. She was the ultimate auntie to her nieces-Aubrey, Reyna, and Rylee and Charlie Rose-and her nephew, Zekhi McDaniels. Whether she was spoiling them with the newest toys or games, cracking jokes, or making TikTok videos, Kelly made sure they felt her love every step of the way.
Kelly's social circle was tight and filled with people she loved, trusted, and could always count on. Whether it was Ryan Strack, Jonathan Gardner, Khaliyah, Kadedra, or Christy and Joshua Desousa, Kelly would have deep talks or just be present for her friends. Her cousins-Shonda, Ciara, and Cheetara-along with her God-sister, Devona Perry, were not just family, they were her people, the ones who truly got her. She was quick to lend a hand, bring people together, and make sure everyone knew where she stood. Though she was taken from our family, we all are taking comfort in the fact that she is now with her best friend, Mama Martha Hayes.
Kelly was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Wiley & Martha Hayes, along with a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She leaves to cherished memories with her loving and devoted parents, Patricia & Melton Haymon, and her biological Mother, Veronica Hayes. She is also survived by her grandparents, Linda & Charles Strickland, Sr.; her siblings, Myeisha Hayes, Nataya Belfield (Taj), Aniyah Haymon, and Jajuan Almanza; and her Godparents, Karen & Darryl McLendon and Diane & Donald Perry. Additionally, she leaves behind her God-sister, Sharon Leach; her uncles, Charles Strickland, Jr., Melvin Hayes, Calvin Hayes (Krista), and Charles Dunlap (Freda); her aunts, Willamina, Doris, Janice (John), Helen (Randy), Christine Hayes, and Sherry Hayes. A host of great aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends who were blessed to have known and love her.
If anyone was unintentionally left out, please charge it to our heads and not our hearts. Kelly held a special place in her heart for so many, and her love extended far and wide.