Jalia A. Cancer

Jalia A'mil Cancer was born on September 17th, 1989 to Lori Brodhead and James (Essence) Cancer in Albany, New York.  Jalia gained her wings on July 3rd, 2019. 

Jalia was educated in the Albany public school system and graduated from Albany High School Class of 2007. While attending Albany High Jalia was a participant in the Sponsor-a-Scholar Graduating Seniors Program at Dartmouth College and was sponsored by the Dartmouth Alumni Club of Northeastern New York. After graduating High School Jalia went on to obtain her Associate Degree in Applied Science Class of 2010  and later her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration class of 2013 both from SUNY Delhi.

Jalia was employed by New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Jalia was a devoted worker who was loved and admired by her coworkers. Prior to New York State Jalia was employed by the Center for Disability Services where she worked as a Residential Counselor for a number of years.

Jalia’s greatest Joy was being a devoted mother to her son Jy’Aire(Jy). The two of them spent quality time trying new activities, traveling and fighting over Slim Jim’s. On the rare occasions that she was away from Jy, Jalia took pleasure in spending time with her friends, enjoying seafood and watching her favorite television shows particularly “The Haves and the Have nots”. Jalia had a special love for and unbreakable bond with her big sister whom she referred to as “Chipper-bug”. The two of them spent their time together taking short trips, shopping, taking Jy places and keeping their mother up to par. Jalia was admired by her mother for her strong personality and her determined ability to conquer all obstacles in her path. When together Jalia and Lori spent time laughing, traveling and enjoying each other’s company.  Lori was Jalia’s backbone and the two were inseparable.

Jalia rose to all occasions and stood strong throughout her journey while still caring for her son.  Jalia will be dearly missed by all of those that she encountered. 

Jalia leaves to cherish her loving memory her son Jy’Aire James Whetstone, Mother Lori M. Brodhead, Father James (Essence) Cancer, Sister Kahdijah A. Wimbush, Brother Jabar Cancer, Great Aunt  Josephine and Great Uncle Lee Floyd(Mt. Vernon, NY), Significant other Shamell S. Anderson, Honorary Children Hassan Lee Laing and Maleigha N. Anderson. Close friends Sha-meera (Munchie) Davis, Princess Hoggard, Laila Barnes, Kamaira Gordon, Lloyia Butler, Naajiya White and Allenia Muller.  Also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Jalia will be received by her Grandmother Ethel M. Perry and Uncle Jeffrey L. White.

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