Zachery J. Person

Zachery Junior Person, born on July 20, 1980, and transitioned on August 9, 2024. He was lovingly welcomed into the arms of Lynn Moses Person and Margaret Lucinda (Hester) Person, who raised him with care and devotion. Zachery's life was a shining example of the power of love, family, and perseverance. He faced life's challenges with a quiet strength and a heart full of compassion, always putting his loved ones first. His unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and passions was evident in everything he did, from the way he nurtured his relationships to the way he pursued his interests with enthusiasm and care.

He met his soulmate, Tashana (Graham) Person-Evans, at a high school basketball game in 1995, and they began dating in the summer of 1996. Their connection blossomed, leading to a beautiful marriage in 2006. Together, they created a strong, loving family, raising four incredible children: Zakyra, Trinity, Zachery, and La’Juan Person-Evans. Zachery also found immense joy in his role as a grandfather to Milan Garcia, whose smile lit up his world. Milan's father, Melvin Garcia, III and Zachery shared a special bond, with Melvin calling him "Pops" and Zachery affectionately referring to him as "Son." Zachery gleefully reveled in being a grandfather and thought long and hard about his title. He pondered over being called “Phoenix King,” “Fire Lord,” but finally settled on “Grand-Sire.”

Zachery was a man of diverse interests and talents. His passion for reading began at the tender age of five with comic books and grew into a lifelong love of all genres. His enthusiasm for movies and television was contagious, and he often gathered his family to enjoy his favorite shows like House, Sons of Anarchy, Game of Thrones, and The Walking Dead. Music was another love of his life, with an eclectic taste ranging from Wu-Tang Clan to Eminem to the Delfonics.

In the kitchen, Zachery was a true artist. He took great pride in preparing meals that brought him and his family together. His culinary skills were so impressive at home that he applied and was accepted into the Culinary Arts program at SUNY Schenectady, where he was set to begin in the Fall of 2024. Beyond his culinary talents, Zachery was also a tech wizard, capable of building computers from scratch, showcasing his sharp mind and problem-solving skills.

In 2024, Zachery was in the beginning stages of launching two businesses: 518 Empire Express, a non-emergency medical transportation service, and 518 Detailing, a car detailing company, both formally approved by the IRS and Secretary of State. He was excited and eagerly awaiting the full launch of his businesses. These ventures reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing for his family.

Zachery's love for astronomy led him to plan a special trip to Tupper Lake for stargazing, a place known for its breathtaking views due to the lack of light pollution. This trip was a testament to his appreciation for the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Zachery was an avid animal lover and was known to feed stray kittens. He believed all of God’s creatures should be treated with dignity. 

In recent months, Zachery began attending New Birth Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Dr. Paul Parsons, Pastor. His favorite scripture was Leviticus 26, which resonated deeply with him as he continued to grow in his faith.

Family was at the core of Zachery's life. Though he reunited with his birth mother, Corean Evans, at 18, it was in his 20s that they developed a bond. In adulthood, he discovered his birth father's side of the family, gaining four siblings: Serita, Lakey, Cerrone, and John. These relationships enriched his life, even though he never had the chance to meet his birth father, John Antonio Lewis.

Zachery found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like playing Dungeon & Dragons, where he embraced the creativity and camaraderie of the game. His friends, Carlos Jackson, Mark Johnson, and Shawn "Smooth" Hall, were like brothers to him, standing by his side through life's ups and downs. His godchildren, Kayshawn Cruz, Madison Hester, and Shaunasia Hall, held a special place in his heart.

Zachery was preceded in death by all four of his parents, Margaret Person and Lynn Person, John Lewis, Corean Evans,  a special cousin, LaJuan Jordan, and his dogs, KiKi and Khaleesi, but he leaves behind a legacy of love, intelligence, and warmth. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Tashana Person-Evans, his children Za’kyra, Trinity, Zachery, and LaJuan Person-Evans, his “adopted son in law, Melvin Garcia, III, his granddaughter, Milan Garcia; his siblings David Hester, Darnell Hester, Sheila Stratton (Gary), Justina "Teena" Pickett (Wilson), Serita Lewis, Lakey (Larry) Lewis, Cerrone (Kate) Lewis, and John (Danielle) Lewis. His beloved Aunt Ruth Jean Hester, special niece and nephew David Michael and Lauren Hester, treasured cousins Iisha Thomas, Robert Evans, Andre Evans, Damien Harrison, and his companion dog Azula (Zuzu) will also hold him close in their hearts.

His legacy is one of resilience and kindness, a testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. Those who knew Zachery were touched by his generosity of spirit, his soft but infectious laughter, and his ability to bring joy into even the simplest moments. Whether it was through a shared meal, a deep conversation, or just a quiet moment spent together, Zachery had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

His spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, a constant reminder of the love and perseverance that defined his life. 

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