Jaylen Nathaniel Charity

Jaylen Nathaniel Charity departed this earthly journey on the night of Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He was born on March 17, 2008, and was a beloved son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin, and friend whose life, though far too short, touched many hearts.

Jaylen wanted to attend trade school for HVAC, mechanics, and electrical work because he wanted to have career options once he graduated. He also dreamed of traveling to Japan one day because of his love for anime. Jaylen enjoyed playing basketball and video games, which often kept his mom up at night with all the yelling. Jaylen brought joy to those around him through his smile, laughter, and compassion.

Jaylen was a student at Lafayette High School, where he was known for his kind heart, sense of humor, determination, honesty, and infectious smile. His first two years of high school were rough, but during his last two years, he made significant improvements and worked hard to do better. Thank you to the staff at Lafayette High School for staying on Jaylen about turning in his schoolwork and for taking the time to stay after school to help him. He truly appreciated everything you did for him. He might not have said it directly, but he expressed that appreciation to his mom. A special thank you to Nurse Banks. You were an outlet for Jaylen whenever he felt sick, angry (for whatever reason), or felt wronged in any situation. Thank you all for your continued support of Jaylen.

Jaylen is preceded in death by his grandfather, Jeffery Tripp and Rowan Gomes; great-grandparents, Thelma Moore, James Ray Moore Sr, Tiny Jenkins, and Ernest Tripp.

He is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his mothers, Natasha Pitt (Qadir) and Tasha Mullings; father, Kuri Melique Lennex Charity (Tanesha); siblings, Ta’Niyah, Tashaun, Nyla, and Sophia; aunts, Letreze Howell (Jarez), Lissette Pitt, Kaydene Williams, Lesline Mullings, Jenesa Hill (Kevin), Lauren Robinson, and Claniesha Gomes; uncles, Cleveland Pitt Jr. (Ashley), Jeffery Tripp Jr., Willie Hillman Jr., Konata Holmes, Creshawn Jude (Tahirah), Ian Robinson, and Tarique Gomes; grandfathers, Cleveland Pitt Sr., and Carlton Jude; grandmothers, Claudette Charity-Jude and Kim Moore; cousins, Tayshaun Pitt, Aleihya Holmes, Xa’Nylah Murph, Rashelle Byrd, Lance Hillman, A’Lyric Pitt, Ryeshaun Howell, Cleveland Pitt III, Cassius Pitt, Sandria Hillman, Willie Hillman Jr., and Ephraim Hill; great-grandmothers, Geraldine Pitt and Aristella Browne; great-uncles and great-aunts, Garry Tripp, Eric Pitt, Bryan Jenkins, Lorraine Pitt, Samantha Pitt, Yolanda Pitt, Shena Carter, Beverly Moore, Tiffany Moore, Shannon Moore, Sonya Moore (Carl), Evonne Moore, Tessie Moore, LeTisha Moore, Michael Moore, James Moore Jr., and Darryl Moore; bonus aunts, Ebonie Steward, Carlo Allen, and Samorra Wiggins; and a host of cousins he adored so much and many friends who cherished him.

A funeral service to celebrate Jaylen's life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Whiting's Funeral Home with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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