Kenyon De’Shaun Embry

My Life on this earth is over and I am in the resting arms of Jesus. I am now surrounded by the loved ones who have gone on before me. But before leaving, I took some time to glance back over the life God had given me and I’d like to share my life’s journey with you. My name is Kenyon De’Shaun Embry, also known by family and friends as “King Guessin” Dog, Suavcito, Yankee, and in my sugar hill days, “Honey Dipp” lol. My life’s journey began on early Monday morning at 3:02 a.m. on July 9, 1979 at Paradise Valley Hospital. I was the second born child to my beautiful mother, Theresa Snell and elated father, Hugh Palmer. I was the younger brother and playmate to my big sister. A few years later, my mother welcomed home a younger brother and later a sister to the family. Our home was full of fun, laughter and love. The love for the Lord was placed early in my heart. I was baptized as an infant under the leadership of Rev. Smith, former pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist church. Estella Harrington. Ya’ll know “momma” she made my childhood full of wonderful memories. That’s my number one lady. I grew up on a street where neighbors spoke to one another and kids played together for hours, playing basketball, tag football, dodge ball and just child horse play.  We play until the street lights came on, and that was our cue to come into the house for the night. Long lasting friendships developed on that street and I loved it. Although we no longer live on my childhood street, the families and City Council approved to renamed the street after my sister, who was a fallen sailor on the USS Cole 15 in 2000. Our family was so proud to see the “Lakiba Palmer Ave.” street sign honoring our hero,. We knew she would never be forgotten. I was educated in the San Diego Unified School District. My educational experiences began at Horton Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High School and San Diego High School. I participated in Track and Field. I wasn’t the fastest athlete, but I was never left in the dust! It was after high school, I attended a medical trade school and received my CNA certification and worked in the Home Healthcare field. I enjoyed helping others. It was my caring nature. I never lost my lobe for sports, especially football. I am a die-hard fan of the 49ers. I enjoyed watching them play. I also enjoyed spending time with my homies and shooting pool. I treasured those times with them as we reminisce and cracked jokes about each other. Now, everyone knew about my love for “pimping out” my ride. I loved going down the street three wheeling, bumper checking, laying and playing with lil’ bro. Everyone knows my favorite saying “Green for the money and gold for the honeys!” I was a member of the “Straight Game” Car Club. It was fun hanging out with friends who shared the same interest and enjoyment in cars as I did. The ultimate joy of my life was the birth of my sons. Sure, I had entered fatherhood with anxiety, but also with excitement and responsibility. I was eager to teach them about the important things in life and share with them things I enjoyed. That is why, you rarely saw me without my boys. These were my seeds and no one else would be teaching them about manhood other than their father. As excited as I was about being here for my boys and the plans I had in store for them, God had a different plan for me. And as much as I enjoyed spending time with my family and friends and doing all the wonderful things that brought me so much happiness, my life here on earth was coming to an end. On early Wednesday morning, October 26, 2016, I was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and I have been united with my sister Lakiba Palmer, dancing like we used to do. For now I leave these loved ones to cherish my memory: My loving mother, Theresa Snell and father, Hugh Palmer; my three sons and their mothers, Kenyon De’Shaun Embry, Jr. (Sheenae), UR’hinest Keyontae Embry and King De’Shaun Embry (Robin); my brother, Jack and wife Dominique Swenson; my sister, Ollesha Smith; my Brother-in-law, Alvinish Kumar; my two nieces, Capri Kumar and Aubree Turner; my nephew, Shakir Swenson; my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; my special and dedicated friend until the end Angie Santiago. While I must leave you all for now, please know that I am okay and I am looking forward to the day that we will be together again in eternity, but until then, know that I have always loved you all.

Kenyon