Zai'vare Elijah Acree

Zai'vare Elijah Acree, 22, of Kent passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2026.

Known to his friends and family as "Zai" or "Bam", he added light and love to every place he went. Zai always had a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes. His goofy laugh was contagious and his perpetual happy disposition put everyone around him in a great mood. He was a well-spoken, gracious young man who was wise beyond his years.

As a youth growing up in Kent, Zai enjoyed playing football and basketball. He graduated from Fairview High School in Fairview Park before returning to Kent, where he worked as a manager at Chipotle.

In his free time, Zai could often be found playing video games or relaxing to music. Some of Zai's favorite memories were made during family camping trips at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park. More than anything, he loved spending time with his beloved two year old son, Kaizik. They spent countless days exploring local parks, watching TV, and pretending to drive with Kaizik at the wheel. Zai's family and friends will make sure that his legacy and memory are forever remembered by his precious son.

Zai is now reunited with his mother, Jessica Acree.

Zai will be deeply missed by his partner, Kyleigh Kiser and their son, Kaizik; father, Dahn Henderson (daughter, Tailyn Houston); stepmother, Holly Sanchez (daughter, Cassidy Sanchez and son, Jose Sanchez); brother, Zaivon Acree; grandmother, Lisa Acree; stepfather, Henry "Nate" Williams; siblings, Kiara Williams, Nylah Williams, Breana DeBruce, Jordan Holloway, and Riayan Combs.

A celebration of Zai's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Support Kyleigh and her Son" GoFundMe.

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

When tomorrow starts without me,

please try to understand. That an angel

came and called my name, and took me by the hand;

The angel said my place was ready,

In Heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind all

those I dearly love. But when I walked

through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much

at home, for God looked down, smiled

at me, And told me "Welcome Home."

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart, for every

time you think of me, I'm right

there in your heart.