Taj Jacquez Armani Carter

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

Today we celebrate the life of our beloved, Taj’ Jacquez-Armani Carter, a loving and caring son, a devoted brother, an awesome grandson, nephew, a loving godson, godbrother, cousin, and friend. 

On the evening of Tuesday, July 21, 2020,  Taj’ tragically passed away in the arms of his beloved brother, LaQuan, en route to Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Michigan.       

Taj’ Jacquez-Armarni Carter, lovingly called “Nukie” by his family and close friends made his arrival on earth, delivered by grandmother Eleanor and aunt Jasmine on December 20, 2000, to his loving mother Tiffany La’Shae Carter and father Jonathan Jefferson at home, 1160 Jennings, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

At an early age, Taj’ accepted Christ as his Personal Savior at the Bread of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, MI, under the pastoral guidance of Pastor Robert L. DeFrance Sr.  He loved going to church and always anticipated every Sunday morning being picked up by Grandma Baylou for Sunday morning church activities.  He attended Sunday School and was a member of the Junior Choir.   

He was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and was employed by Chasix at the time of his untimely passing.  Taj’, being the first child and grandchild of his mother, Tiffany, and grandmother, Eleanor, brought so much joy and love to the family.  He was loving, caring, and had a quiet smooth sense of humor.

When he came into the house he would oftentimes be found yelling “Honey I’m Home”  and enjoyed letting his grandmother Eleanor, whom he would affectionately call “Miss Elnora” know that those things that she thought were so exclusive were sold everywhere as he grabbed one of her brand new towels to wash his hands just to get her fired up.  Everyone has a special Taj’ story that will make you laugh and smile too.

He adored his mother Tiffany and they had a very loving and close bond. Along with his brother Quan, he helped take care of her and was so patient and loving with her as he did his best to ensure that she was always alright. They were the best caregivers a mother could ever ask for and humbly served her with love, respect, honor, and compassion. 

Taj’ enjoyed cooking, skating, baseball, football, being in the studio rapping, watching the history channel, being with his friends, special moments with his love Jayda, loving on his family, and enjoying the luxuries of life including shopping and fine dining.

One of Taj’s greatest accomplishments in this life was that of being a big brother to his baby brother, Quan.  They were inseparable and did everything together as he knew that if he had his brother with him that he would always have a friend.  This love can never be duplicated.  He will truly be missed every moment of life that remains.

Taj’ will forever be remembered in the hearts of his only brother and best friend, La’Quan Shawnell Gordon Jr.; maternal grandmother, Eleanor Carter, paternal grandmother, Patricia Jefferson-Meeks, favorite aunt, Jasmine Carter-Seay of Detroit, MI; his only uncle, Garlin “Lil Cookie” Carter, his loving sweetheart, Jayda Wilson;  (2) sisters, Jade and Taylor Jefferson; his loving god parents, Sylvester and Angel Crayton, (2) god brothers, Slyvarion and Clark Crayton, (1) god sister, Ashalyn Crayton; (4) loving great-aunts, Mary Travis, Cynthia Travis, LaVerne Carter-White and Devon Moss, (6) great-uncles, Victor (Armentha) Williford, Robert Carter, Demetrius Carter, Columbus (CC) Franklin, Kevin White and Kendall Hollins; special cousins who he respected as and uncles, Damarco (Sharon) James, Kevin Dominique Carter, and Reinaldo (Marian) Tripplett; best friends, Keeyon and Ramiro; special cousins, Garlin “Duece” Lewis, Columbus Jr., Tyrone, Dylan, Damarco Jr., Kaleb, Marcus, McKinley, and his cousin/sister, Ma’Kahia Askew; best friends, Jarvis Gordon, Tony Whitfield, Gary Washington Jr., Tony Hill, Joseph Clark, Joseph “JJ” Johnson,  Lil Chris, and a host of close cousins,  family and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Tiffany Carter, father, Jonathan Jefferson, grandfather, Garlin “Cookie” Hicks, maternal great-grandparents, Walter & Delores Carter, William & Mary Alexander,  paternal great-grandparents, Columbus & Beatrice Franklin, great-grandfather, Chester Hughes and great-great-aunt & uncle, Katherine, and Leroy Hales.

“In life we have pleasures with our loved ones; we have sorrows and joy but thank God for the memories that death cannot destroy.”

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