Mr. KeyShaun E. Charles

1st Quarter
The game started with KeyShaun Eugene Charles, affectionately known as KeKe, Ke, Phatz, Chunk-a-face or Bubba, making his professional debut on October 24, 2002, in Denver, Colorado, to his parents Kimberly Williamson and Erving Charles. KeyShaun quickly became a star player with his charismatic soul and a heart full of love and kindness. Even at an early age, he embraced life with a radiant smile, infectious laughter and a spirit that was effortlessly captivating. A lover of life, and all of its simplicities, KeyShaun was a devoted son, cherished brother and a steadfast friend. His life was a testament to Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
2nd Quarter
Like in any good basketball game, KeyShaun faced challenges. On September 16, 2003, KeyShaun was on the receiving end of a flagrant foul. He was on life support for eight days and was in ICU until a couple of days before his 1st birthday, being discharged in time to celebrate his 1st birthday at home, an answer to his mother's prayers. Doctors said that KeyShaun would not survive and IF he did survive, he would be a vegetable. Never an underdog, not only did KeyShaun survive, he made a comeback. He relearned how to drink his bottle, gained partial vision and sit up on his own, demonstrating Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper." He started running before walking and was very fast standing and walking on his toes for years. KeyShaun spoke his own language and understood everything that was said. And although KeyShaun never cried again, he showed his feelings through his touch, smothering bear hugs and his smile. He discovered his angels and the joy of God during this timeout and played with his angels often.
Halftime
Because of his insatiable love for basketball, during halftime, when KeyShaun should be resting up for the second half, he'd be singing and dancing around contemplating his moves for the rest of the game. Hyping up his teammates with that winning smile and infectious laughter.
3rd Quarter
Those moves came in handy when he lived up to his name, KeyShaun. His auntie Keva (Key) is full of life and dribbles to her own ball, KeyShaun proudly followed in her footsteps pressing full court ahead. And like his big cousin Shaun Stribling (Shaun), he was a "Ladies Man", and he liked being around the girls. As much as he loved the girls, he found his best teammate in God. A devout Christian, KeyShaun was christened at Graham Memorial Community COGIC at just six months old. He loved praising and singing. He was very inquisitive listening to the sermons and had to have that eye connection to whomever was preaching. He inherited his love of God from his great, great uncle Elder Eugene Graham from which he gets his middle name, Eugene. A smart and inquisitive young man, he attended various Denver Public Schools: Elementary – Marrama, McGlone, Oakland, Middle – MLK Jr. Early College, High – Collegiate Prep Academy, and making a slam dunk, was a proud graduate of Montbello High School, class of 2023. KeyShaun was a remarkable student who played the game with perfect attendance the majority of his school years.
4th Quarter
When it was time for a sub, he was ready to get back in the game. He was an extraordinary athlete who loved the thrill and camaraderie of sports. Even though he had a competitive spirit, he loved passing the ball to his teammates for the assist. This love was recognized through his Special Olympics Awards in basketball, track & field, and bowling. Never giving up, he got the rebound and always fighting for the WIN and becoming the MVP!
Post Game
KeyShaun will forever be cherished by his mother, Kimberly Williamson, his father, Erving Charles, his aunts: Keva Williamson and Ronette Hackett (Ronald Jr.), his grandmother Rev. Dr. Cheryl Williamson, his grandfather, Clyde Avent, Rocky Mount, NC. Siblings: Chaqúa and Rashad Williamson, Ashereann, Aaliyah and Angela Charles, Jernekia Phillips, Roxanne and Deshaun Smith and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins.
His great, great and great grandparents as well as his God mother Gail Shaw went to heaven before him to welcome him to his dream court in the sky.
KeyShaun's life was a blessing to all who knew him. His memory will forever be etched in our hears as a ball of love, joy and resilience.