Jailen L. Bedward

Jailen LeShawn Bedward’s light came upon the world on June 11, 2000 in Chesapeake, VA. He went Home on August 1, 2023 at the age of 23.

Jailen, Jay, as he would lovingly become referred, is the eldest son of Jesquea Battle and Terrance Battle of Chesapeake, VA and Norfolk, VA, respectively.

Jay is a 2018 graduate of Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, VA, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Military at Fort Leonard Wood in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Jay’s military interest began at the tender age of 16 while attending high school. There, he served as platoon leader for the ROTC program where he was accountable for the discipline, guidance and instruction of his fellow cadets, among other leadership responsibilities.

In 2021, Jay graduated from Fort Leonard Wood, becoming a private (PVI) for the United States military. There in his newfound role, Jay’s light on and off of base continued to grow as he journeyed to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

While at Fort Bliss, Jay, a savant of technology, served as a specialist and was the primary CBRN NCOIC (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) in the 153RD FFC. He was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Army Commendation Medal. Jay’s exceptional ingenuity and stolid presentation among his unit garnered him respect and admiration.

Jay, enamored with life and all its abundance, was an immutable free-spirit with the love of a child, a heart of pure gold. He made others laugh, he made others live, and he made others love.

Rest now, well within song of the skylarks, the crowned and bejeweled ancestors of the earth before you. You rest now, sweet Jay.

Jay is preceded in Heaven by Selma C. Liverman (grandmother), Nicola Carver (great grandmother), Leamond Carver (great grandfather), Gertrude Liverman (great grandmother) and William Joshua Liverman (great-great grandfather).

Jay is survived by his wife, Stephanie Alvarez, his mother, Jesquea Battle, his two sons Jaiden Bedward, 6, Jaquez Bedward, 2, his father, Terrance Battle, his younger brothers Brynden and Preston Battle, grandfather, Joshua Liverman, aunt, Darceil Liverman and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A home going service will be held to honor Jay's life. The service will take place at Sunset Funeral Home in El Paso, Texas. 750 N. Carolina Drive, El Paso. The ceremony will commence at 6pm MST, 8pm EST. For those unable to attend in person, the service will also be live-streamed on Sunset Funeral Home's Facebook page during the aforementioned hours.