Ronald "Jahlil" Edward Courtwright, Jr.

Ronald Edward Courtwright of Albany, New York, passed away peacefully, Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by family members.  Jahlil, as he loved to be called, was born on Monday, March 10, 1967, in Albany, NY to Cheryl L. Meyers and Ronald Edward Courtwright, Sr.  Jahlil attended Albany Public Schools where he was an unforgiving menace and where he chose instead to obtain his GED. 

During his youth and guided by an instinctual desire to become a grown man, Jahlil sought gainful employment.  Jahlil was blessed to develop a solid work history throughout the City of Albany.  Known for his infectious smile and pleasant personality, Jahlil began his career as a Lifeguard and then a Youth Counselor at the Arbor Hill Community where he acquired engagement skills and much success working with young people.  Many who knew him were surprised to learn that Jahlil was an avid swimmer.  One memory of note for which he is credited and for which he often recounted is when he saved a person from drowning at Lincoln Park.  As a young person at that time, Jahlil was so proud of that moment.  If you let him tell it, he was the Black Aquaman. 

During his tenure at the Arbor Hill Community Center, as a young man working with young people, the children throughout the Arbor Hill Community, who frequented the Arbor Hill Community Center, loved Jahlil.  News of his passing garnered condolences from many of those young people who are now adults. 

As Jahlil steadily moved through the journey of his life and into different stages of adulthood, he would go on to hold other jobs in the City of Albany.  His crowning achievement came when he joined the staff at the College of Saint Rose where Jahlil held a position in the College’s Maintenance Department.  While at Saint Rose, Jahlil was responsible for ensuring that the students’ heating systems were operable in their rooms as those cold Albany winters fast approached the college campus.  It was at Saint Rose that Jahlil would be applauded for his strong work ethic and attendance.  Jahlil loved to work and particularly enjoyed showing his younger siblings how to do it.  He was a true leader among his family. 

Jahlil was predeceased by his parents Cheryl L. Martin and Ronald Edward Courtwright, Sr., as well as his maternal Grandmother Dorcas Bond, his maternal Grandfather Thomas Meyers, and his maternal Aunts Linda Henderson and Cynthia Dean; and his cousin Reese Dean. In addition, Jahlil is predeceased paternally by his Grandmother Dorothy Williams, his Aunts Dorothy Paul, Barbara Anne Courtwright and Honey L. Courtwright.  He is survived by and leaves to mourn his siblings, Michael Meyers, Tracy Courtwright, Leslie R. Meyers (Kembu), Arosemond Goodwin, Anye Goodwin, Brent White, Rosetta Myers, Omar Courtwright, and Aja Courtwright.  Furthermore, Jahlil is survived by his Uncles Wallace Bond, Michael Meyers, and Thomas Meyers, Jr., nieces, Kajiah Wilmer, Jahkia Wilmer, Niesha Nia Goodwin, Raajiem Coleman, Aniya Goodwin, and Anye Goodwin, Jr., great nieces Raynya Coleman, Raajiem Coleman, Jr., Rayne Coleman, Aaliyah Coleman, and his Goddaughter Kameishia Rivers, her daughter D’Xyre Wayne and his Godbrother, Shiwan Parker. 

Jahlil was a larger-than-life person, and he lived life on his own terms whether you liked it or not.  Jahlil loved to be around his family, his friends, and loved ones.  He especially enjoyed a tall cold can of beer.  Lastly, one fun fact worthy of note that demonstrates his selflessness is that during a job interview at the University at Albany while in our youth, the manager had come out to interview the both of us.  After the interview the manager came out to inform us about the status of our interviews.  The manager stated that they only had one job.  Jahlil immediately rose to his feet and told the man to “give the job to my little brother” and the rest as they say is history.  He was truly our big brother and he will be forever missed. 

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