Mr. Keith "KJ" Edward Donnell Jr.

Mr. Keith “KJ” Edward Donnell, Jr., of Peoria, IL was born to Keith Edward Donnell, Sr. and Yvonne Wickham on November 29, 1976 in Peoria, IL. On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Keith transitioned from his earthly life. Keith attended Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, PA. He studied under the Nation of Islam for over 20 years. Keith enjoyed receiving knowledge and learning about religious teachings. Keith was a gifted and talented writer and rap artist. He was the creator of two albums that he cherished, ‘Rhyme for Thought’ and ‘Industrialized Bars’. Keith developed and honed his talent for writing at an early age. Keith loved his family dearly. He loved spending time with his son and family. Keith had a sharp wit and special gift for finding humor in most things. He used this talent to keep his family members smiling and laughing. Keith always let everyone know that he was the BIG brother. He wanted and received his respect. Keith is survived by one son, Keith Edward Donnell, III of Peoria, IL, his parents Yvonne (Nathaniel) Wickham of Dunlap, IL and Keith (Vicki) Donnell, Sr. of Rockford, IL. Keith has seven siblings, Kendra Donnell of Peoria, IL, Chris “Galore” (Jocelyn) Donnell of Peoria, IL. Kara (Leroy) Wright of West Point, GA, Nathaniel “Wise” Wickham, V and Nathan Wickham, V, both of Peoria, IL, Jayson Donnell of Plainfield, IL and Kayla Donnell of Rockford, IL and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Keith is proceeded in death by his grandparents, John and Molly Hosea and Curtis and Marie Donnell, along with two special cousins Brian Qualls and John Hosea, III. In his too short time on this earth, Keith wrote many notable raps and lyrics. In his song, ‘The Boy Is Here’ his passion of being a rap performer was on display to all that listened. One of the passages in the song said: “Peep the game, rap the game, expressing my thoughts, incredible just like the Hulk, every time that God talks… Yo, the rap icon is here!” The Lord has spoken once more, and the rap icon will now perform in a more heavenly place. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him here on earth. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Simons Mortuary with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 am. Vice Chief Bishop Leroy Smith, Jr. and Imam Dr. Bashir Ali will officiate. Keith will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Keith "KJ" Edward Donnell Jr.

November 29, 1976 - February 7, 2023