Justin Hardaway

Justin De'Air Hardaway was born on November 28, 1999, and departed this life on July 22, 2026, at the age of 26. From an early age, Justin was raised in the church. His first church home was Holy Assembly Church under the leadership of Pastor George Ward, where he developed a strong foundation of faith, respect, and love. Later in life, he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized on February 26, 2023, under Pastor Kiner at Jesus People Church. During his incarceration, Justin embraced the Muslim faith as part of his personal spiritual journey. Justin attended Ford Road Elementary School, Kirby Middle School, Mitchell High School, and Southwind High School before earning his GED in 2015. A gifted artist and music lover, Justin found joy in expressing himself through creativity. Performing under the name Klay D, he shared his passion for music with those around him. Justin was well-mannered, respectful, and wise beyond his years. He believed in treating everyone with kindness and respect, loved deeply, and stood firmly on loyalty. Family meant everything to him. He never looked at his cousins as just cousins—they were his brothers and sisters. He loved to sing, dance, joke around, and had a way of making everyone laugh. Justin never met a stranger. Whether you knew him for years or only a few moments, he had a way of making you feel like family. His smile could brighten a room, his heart was genuine, and his presence left a lasting impression. He was truly a warrior, God's chosen, and a young legend whose legacy will live on through everyone who loved him. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Norris McFarland; his great-grandparents; several beloved brother-cousins; and his great-uncles and great-aunts. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved son, J'Mazhyi Jackson; the mother of his son, Alexius Jackson; his mother, Samika Pinkins (DeAungelos Artis); his father, Jameel Ahmed Hardaway Sr.; his grandparents, Dorothy (Melvin Hamilton), Tomella Clark, and Jameel Ahmed; his brothers, Martavius Ward, Jeremiah Martin, Deontae White, Ladarious Young , DaKevyin Pinkins, Jameel Hardaway Jr., and JaRheal Hardaway, and; his sisters, Equria Patterson, Jakuria Ahmed, De'Aria Artis, Brittney Ray, Cadeja Young, and DeAsia Artis; his God-sisters, Nautica Walker and Sammetrious Johnson; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Justin Hardaway

November 28, 1999 - July 22, 2026