Goodbyes are never easy and hearts were heavy today in Atlanta as 11-year old Kile Glover was laid to rest.
As previously reported, Kile, the son of Bounce TV executive Ryan Glover and stylist Tameka Foster-Raymond was injured on July 6 while playing on an inner tube at Lake Lanier in Georgia when he was accidentally hit by a jet ski ridden by a family friend and never regained consciousness.
The stepson of R&B singer Usher was removed from life support on July 21st and passed away from heart failure.
The service was held at Wieuca Road Baptist Church as many esteemed figures from the political and entertainment world came out to pay their respects including Usher Raymond, Patti Labelle, Ludacris, Jazze Pha, music executives Chaka Zulu, Jonta Austin, Q Parker, Kedar Masenberg and Dallas Austin, and former Atlanta Mayors Andrew Young and Bill Campbell.
Also in attendance were Tameka Raymond’s attorney in her divorce case against Usher, Lisa West and her husband Steve West, as well as Real Housewives of Atlanta cast members Cynthia Bailey, Peter Thomas, and NeNe and Greg Leakes.
The home going service was helped put together by music executives Shanti Das and Grand Hustle General Manager Hannah Kang.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also broke down during his speech at the funeral. Mayor Reed was close to Kyle who he referred to as his “play nephew” and was called “Uncle Kasim” by the family. “When you look into his eyes, you could see that he was a very gifted child.” The mayor noted that he and Ryan Glover attended Howard University together and were like brothers.
Tameka also took to Twitter to thank people for their continued support during this trying time. She Tweeted,
“I appreciate the hundreds, perhaps thousands of prayers. I’m so grateful to you guys. Kile was the most fun, creative, sweet, respectful boy
Many have asked where to send flowers, but in Lieu of flowers. we ask that you make a contribution to the Kile Glover Fund @ Bank of America
Our goal is increase water safety- thru implementing laws, policies & education. Kiles passing will not be in vain, we will see to this
Sorry, I gave half info Bank of America Acct # 3340 3823 9828 OR via PayPal email TheKileGloverFund@gmail.com … I love you guys. Goodnight”
Our condolences go out to Tameka, Ryan, Usher and their families. There’s no pain like losing a child and our hearts go out to them.
R.I.P. Kile/ Photos & video by Dennis Byron
