Obituary of Jalen Roberts

JALEN Ke’SHAWN ROBERTS, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 24, 2000 to Kimberly Roberts and Anthony McGinty, their only son. Jalen began preschool at the age of 2 at Little Chimes Daycare Ministry, and also attended Cafe’ Head Start in 2003. He attended middle school at John Marshall and for high school he was a student at Shortridge High School. Jalen accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Temple of Believers Church family. He was so intrigued by the drums at church that he would literally take the sticks off the fans and play drums on the back of the pews. People started bringing him straws to use as drumsticks at church. Jalen’s parents wanted him to experience the best of life and to participate in extracurricular activities that would keep his mind focused on his goals. He was an avid lover of sports and started playing football at Lawrence Junior Football league in 2005, the Hornets Soccer Team in 2014. He played basketball in middle school, and as he entered high school years he played basketball and football. Basketball was the game he loved most, and he received many athletic trophies and awards for his playing ability. Jalen’s favorite travel destination was to Atlanta, Georgia. When Jalen would go to Atlanta, Georgia, he would spend time at Cornerstone Baptist Church summer camp. Atlanta was his home away from home. He loved spending time with his Auntie Michelle, late Uncle Chauncey, Nana, Karen and his cousins Damerius, CR, Jayden and Sa’Mya. He really loved the summer trips to Myrtle Beach. He would spend time skateboarding or hanging out with his closest friend in Atlanta, Grant. Jalen departed this earthly life on February 5, 2020 at the age of 19 years. Although Jalen left us unexpectedly, we find comfort knowing he is now in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Jalen was preceded in death by his father, Anthony McGinty; grandmother, Betty Roberts and one nephew. Jalen will be greatly missed by his loving mother, Kimberly Roberts; father, Donnie Thrasher; sisters, Tameake Roberts, Jasmine Roberts, Aboni Hawthorne, Octavia McGinty, Portia McGinty, Antoinette McGinty, Mahogany McGinty and Tiara Ross; his grandfather, Lee Roberts, Sr.; aunt, April Roberts; uncles, Elder Lee (Jeanette) Roberts, Tyrone (Crystal) Roberts; grandmother, Beverly Wells (gran-gran); seven nephews; 8 nieces and a host of other family members and friends that loved him dearly. Jalen will be truly missed and we know his spirit will continue to live on through the rest of us.