Jayshaun Amarie Whitaker was born on January 23, 2003, in Woodbridge Virginia to Audrey Hampton and Germarta Whitaker, Alexandria Virginia. From the moment he entered the world, Jayshaun was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him, and; On Saturday, August 17, 2024, our beloved Jayshaun, at age 21 passed away peacefully at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after a long illness.

As a toddler He moved to Western Pennsylvania with his mother, where he quickly captured the hearts of everyone he met. He had a unique gift for making friends, and his warmth and sunshine were felt by all. Jayshaun enjoyed sports and played football as a preteen. He accompanied his Pap to the music store, where he was known as Jay, Shaun, or Jayshaun and adored by all the vendors, often seen running around spreading his special brand of joy.

He attended Hillcrest Christian Academy of Bethel Park, Centennial Elementary School and McKeesport Middle School. At progressive onset of his degenerative condition, Jayshaun attended Clairton High School, received the Dr. Edna M. Brown Scholastic Award in 2018, was an active participant in the Robotics Team, and The National Honor Society, graduating Class of 2021, with high honors.

Jayshaun had a deep love for animals and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, attending Veterinarian Tech school and received a Certificate of completion. Make A Wish Foundation granted Jay his wish in 2017 and he travelled to Seward Alaska with his grandmother, Val, Auntie “Pie” Lorie, and his brothers Darryn and David.

As a longtime member of Envision Blind Sports, he enjoyed their annual summer camps and various sporting events throughout the year making life time friends.

He was a sweet and kind-hearted young man who had a passion for Formula One Racing, music, and fishing, with an endearing fondness for corny jokes. A true connoisseur, he had a particular love for chocolate chip cookies and blended coffee drinks.

Jayshaun attended Trinity COGIC until unable, accepted Christ as his personal savior and thereafter was a part of the Sunday School and children’s choir on line.

Like all truly beautiful things, Jayshaun was not with us long enough. With a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts, he was a gift of love from God to the world, a world that was undoubtedly better with him in it. His presence will be deeply missed. His memory will be forever cherished by his family and friends, who will carry forward the legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments he leaves behind.

Jayshaun is preceded in death by his brothers; David R. Williams Jr. and Dayshaun Whitaker.

He is survived by his Parents, Audrey D. Hampton, Germarta Whitaker, Alexandria, Virginia; his Siblings, Aubrey Sainvelus, Darryn Hampton, Ava Moore, Christopher Whitaker, Jaylen Whitaker, Navaye Childs, Paris Lang, Genesis Crouch, Rylee Whitaker, Aurora Whitaker; Grandparents, Jeanette Henderson (Michael Gilbert) Alexandria, Virginia, Valda (Gary Davis), along with Great Aunts, Great Uncles, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and countless friends who were touched by his kindness and spirit.

Donations can be made in Jayshaun's honor to the National Ataxia Foundation PO Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 55427