Keeyanna Sheree Haygood

Keeyanna Sheree Haygood is the first child of Robert Bernard “Peanut” Haygood and Sharrell Annette “Shea” Shelton Haygood. In 1998, she was baptized at First Macedonia Baptist Church by her cousin, Reverend Charles Morgan. From an early age, Keeyanna’s life was shaped by a loving and devoted village. She and her brother Keehlan spent their summers surrounded by family in Alabama, New York, and Virginia Beach, making cherished memories with their sister-cousins Atisha and Latisha Burks, grandparents Abraham and Shirley Shelton (both now deceased), and their beloved aunts Sherry Harrell and Sheila Burks. She was also nurtured by her Uncle Sean and Aunt Nicole, Uncle Lawrence, and Great-Aunts Laura Nell Shelton-Carr and Linda Atkins. Keeyanna’s upbringing was a testament to the family’s belief that it truly takes a village to raise a child. Many of these family experiences were rooted in Keeyanna’s longtime membership in the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of Central Alabama, where her grandmother, Shirley Shelton, proudly served as president. Keeyanna was educated in the Atlanta Public Schools system, attending Anne E. West Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and Southside High School (now Maynard Jackson High School). Popular, vibrant, and unforgettable, she was voted “Most Popular” by her classmates. From age 7 to 18, she was an active member of the Warren/Holyfield Boys and Girls Club. At just 9 years old, Keeyanna made national news when she sparred with heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield during a club event, knocking his hat off and winning hearts across America. After high school, Keeyanna pursued vocational training through Job Corps and later attended Swift Truck Driving School. Although she completed her training, she chose a different path, working first for Brinks Security and later for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) as a Mobility Driver. In doing so, she followed in her father’s footsteps, who worked in transportation and management for Atlanta Public Schools. Keeyanna served the community through MARTA from July 2007 until 2016, when she became disabled. Music was Keeyanna’s passion and purpose. A gifted lyricist and rapper, she began writing and performing at the age of 13. In high school, her rhymes lit up the cafeteria, earning her admiration from classmates. At 16, she joined Caustic Entertainment and became known as “Big Kee Kee,” performing with the Caustic Dames throughout Atlanta and at events like Juneteenth in Birmingham. Later, she teamed up with her cousins in the rap group “Put-M-On Click,” where she reintroduced herself to the world as “KeKapone.” Together, they performed at venues across the city, leaving a lasting mark on Atlanta’s local hip-hop scene. Keeyanna also played a key role in launching her younger brother’s,music career. Keehlan, known as K3HZ, and Keeyanna collaborated on several tracks that remain available across streaming platforms. Keeyanna’s spirit was larger than life. Her charisma, creativity, and unwavering love for others left an imprint on everyone she met. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of laughter, lyrics, loyalty, and love. Keeyanna leaves in God’s care her loving parents Sharrell Shelton Haygood and Robert Bernard Haygood; her brother, Keehlan Haygood; and her grandmother, Barbara Haygood Johnson. She is also lovingly remembered by her uncle, Sean Shelton (Nicole); aunt, Vanessa Greeley (Allen Sr.); uncle, Lawrence Harrell; sister-cousins, Atisha and Latisha Burks; cousins Brianna Shelton, Samantha Shelton, Allen Greeley Jr., and Alex Greeley (Markayla); aunts Gloria Carpenter (Terry) and Dorothy Sullivan; uncle James Haygood (Yvonne); great-aunts Laura Nell Shelton-Carr, Linda Atkins, Reseda Shelton, Rebecca Hassell, Abber Dean Shelton, and Emma Pearl Shelton; great-uncles Oress Shelton (Elzia) and Byron Shelton; and a host of extended family members, cherished friends, classmates, and admirers. Please know that Keeyanna loved each and every one of you. Her light lives on in every verse she wrote, every laugh she shared, and every life she touched. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, Georgia 30034

Tributes

Keeyanna Sheree Haygood

April 6, 1984 - July 7, 2025