Keshon Allen Gilchrist, 18 of Hot Springs, Arkansas transitioned on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. He was born February 06, 2005, to Virginia LaFond and Keith Gilchrist in Longwood, Florida. They later relocated to Hot Springs, where he was raised by his mother and his bonus dad Albert (AJ) Jack Clayborn III.

Keshon is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ray McElroy, and Albert "Jackie Boy" Clayborn II. He is also mourned by his aunt, Angela McElroy, and uncle, Justin McElroy.

Keshon was a bright young man and a 2023 graduate of Mountain Pine High School, where he excelled academically and made the honor roll. He was passionate about basketball, video games, music, and TV shows about house flipping. However, above all, Keshon cherished the time he spent with his family. He had a fondness for the color blue and had a knack for confidently rocking any outfit he wore. In pursuit of his dream in real estate, Keshon had plans to relocate to Orlando, Florida, in September. His friends affectionately knew him as Ke and Swiggy, but his family lovingly referred to him as Bear. Keshon will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Keshon is survived by his devoted mother, Virginia Lafond, a caring dad, Keith Gilchrist, and a loving bonus dad, AJ Clayborn. He is also survived by his grandparents: Brodie McElroy, Drucilla Gilchrist, and Debra Clayborn. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister: Kayla (Matthew) Whittaker, and his brothers: Jamal Lafond, Adrian Clayborn, and Aaron Clayborn. His nephews will lovingly remember Keshon: Dakayden and Matthew James Whittaker, as well as Legend Lafond. His aunts Sheryl Honey, Lera DeLaney, Vera Nevels, LaTonya McElroy, Stacey (Lonnie) DeLaney, Jacqueline Clayborn, and Ashley Claybornwhile, and his uncles are Vance T. McElroy "June" Ricky McElroy Bryan Clayborn, Brandon Clayborn, and Jackson Clayborn. Keshon also leaves behind numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The visitation will be Friday, July 21, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Harvey's Chapel Baptist Church 2515 Mtn, Pine Road Hot Springs AR 71913. The funeral will be Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 am at Mountain Pine High School Auditorium 734 Blakely Dam Road Mtn. Pine AR 71956. Pastor Buddy Lemons of Harvey's Chapel Baptist Church will officiate the service. Following the funeral, Keshon will be laid to rest at Mountain Pine Cemetery.

The family of Keshon would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Mountain Pine School District, the local community, First Step, Harvey's Chapel, CHI St. Vincent Emergency Department Hot Springs, and all those who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.