To most she was LaKenya Marcy Pinkard, but to us she was our Dear “KeKe.” Born March 11, 1976, the first-born child of Valencia and the late Leo Pinkard Jr. KeKe was a brilliant student and a proud graduate of Warrensville Heights High School. Soon thereafter she began her career, where she was a valuable member of the KeyBank family for 30 years. While working for KeyBank, KeKe was still able to find time in between for her true passion, traveling. KeKe’s destinations ranged from family trips to Atlanta, to her most recent trip to Panama where she was able to enjoy her two favorite things, water, and sunsets. Although she did not have children of her own, she was affectionately known as “Auntie KeKe” to all the children in her life.

LaKenya was fearless, sweet, and kind with a big heart. She also had an infectious smile that could brighten any room. People were naturally drawn to KeKe’s warm and vibrant energy. She was a huge Cleveland Sports fan and never missed an opportunity to celebrate. She loved game night, and enjoyed taking our money, especially when it came to an intense game of Left, Right, Center.

KeKe was baptized early on, and accepted Christ as her lord and savior. She shared her eccentric energy with every congregation she visited. She was beloved by everyone she encountered in her life and would give the shirt off her back to the next person. She left everlasting impressions on everyone she came across and her legacy will forever live on in our hearts.

Kenya was preceded in death by her father Leo Pinkard Jr, her Aunt Veda Black, her cousin Malik Adams, and her uncle Vernon Watson. She will always be remembered by her devoted mother Valencia Pinkard, her loving, faithful sister Lakisha Pinkard and her brothers Leo and Jason; her grandparents Vanderbilt Jr and June Watson, grandfather Leo Pinkard Sr, uncles Vanderbilt, Vincent, Virgil (Stacy), aunts Valerie, Vicki and Vanessa, her closest cousin Darla, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.