Patrice Trammell’s son J’Kaylen Clark died by suicide in January. Now the grieving mother is turning her pain into purpose.
FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Patrice Trammell says her 14-year-old son J’Kaylen Clark was a kind-hearted gentleman who loved video games and hanging out with friends.
“He would run to open the door because he did not want me opening doors for him,” Trammell said.
Trammell said her son’s favorite color was pink, and he loved his people fiercely.
“He did not have friends. He treated everybody like family, all of his friends,” Trammell said.
Clark’s story was cut short when he died by suicide in January. The loss hit Trammell and her close-knit family hard.
“It’s still a struggle,” Trammell said. “I could not give my baby the voice that he needed while he was here. But I can give him his voice now.”
Through their pain, Trammell and her family took action. They started “J’Kaylen’s Voice,” a nonprofit that works to bring awareness to youth mental health in Central Georgia.
Chemeka Gulley is on the organization’s Board of Directors and is Clark’s cousin. She said the nonprofit also works to encourage difficult but health conversations between families.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about it. We’re all going through something, but we can all get through it together,” Gulley said.
Trammell and her family said “J’Kaylen’s Voice” has already made strides, helping several families in need get resources. Now, the organization is preparing for its “Let’s Talk Mental Health” event in June, where they hope to reach even more kids.
“We just want the family to come out and remember, broken crayons still color,” Gulley said.
Trammell said she wants people to remember Clark for his loving personality and for his voice to live on in the organization. She also wants those struggling to remember that they are not alone.
“Because of the pain that I feel, I don’t want anybody else to feel it,” Trammell said. “I couldn’t imagine the pain that he felt. Nobody should go through this. If we can prevent one case, that’s enough, because for me, one is too many.”
“Let’s Talk Mental Health” is free to attend on June 20 at Greater Allen Temple AME Church in Byron. More information about the event and how to register can be found here.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, help is available. Call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline for 24/7 support.