Kiwoa D. Whitfield

Kiwoa Deuell Whitfield, was born on July 20, 1975 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Chineater Whitfield Mark and Calvin T. Yates; and he departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 peacefully at home.

Kiwoa was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area School System where he ran track; and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1993.   He also attended Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University.

On June 28, 2015,  Kiwoa accepted Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior,  joined Fellowship Baptist Mission Church, and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor Rev. William Whitfield.

Kiwoa was a Boxer in the P.A.L.  (Police Athletic League) under the leadership and training of Napoleon Lark, Sr.; and, his favorite hobbies and pastimes was fishing and playing Dominos. 

His working career consisted of positions in Construction, Rehabing Houses, Landscaping, Restaurant Cook, and working in the Maintenance Department at River Terrace Apartments and Berrien Homes Apartments.

Kiwoa will be forever remembered by all of his survivors who are:    Two (2) Daughters:   Kiah Whitfield of Kalamazoo, MI and Manyla Sanders of Detroit, MI;    Two (2) Sons:  Earl Taylor of Lansing, MI and Kiwoa D. Whitfield, Jr. ( a.k.a. “KJ”) of Kalamazoo, MI;      Four (4) Grandchildren: Jordyn R. Taylor,   Ja′mia L. Taylor,    Aubree L. Taylor,  and Rico Jay Metcalfe;    Parents: Chineater (Cecil) Mark of Benton Harbor, MI  and Calvin T. Yates of Benton Harbor, MI;   One (1) Sister: Cierra Raynetta (Timothy) Young of Texas;  and, Two (2) Brothers: Jewel Thomas  of Arizona and Terrence Howard of Benton Harbor ;  Grandmother: Ollie Mae Whitfield of Quitman, GA;   One (1) Uncle:  Chris Yates of Iowa;    Six (6) Aunts:  Lucy Whitfield of Benton Harbor, MI;  Helen Tilman of Benton Harbor, MI; Doris Lark of Atlanta, GA;  Annie Whitfield of Dasher, GA;  Patricia Whitfield of Mishawaka, IN; and Carolyn Yates Ward of Benton Harbor, MI;   One (1) Niece:  Zoey Young of Texas;  One (1) Nephew:  Kaden Young of Texas;   and a host of Cousins, Family, Friends, and a Special Longtime Companion Debra Ann Vinson.

Kiwoa was preceded in death by:   Two (2) Brothers:  Calvin Hickman and Anton Eric DeWayne Mark;    Two (2) Grandfathers:  Cassel Yates, Sr. and Lucius Curtis Whitfield Sr.;   One (1) Grandmother:  Nannie Mae Yates;   Three (3) Uncles:  Sammy Whitfield, Lucius Curtis Whitfield, Jr;  and, Cassel Yates, Jr.;   and, Two (2)  Aunts:  Charlene Yates and Rosemary N. Yates.

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