Lakeisha Latoya

Ellison

Lakeisha Latoya Ellison, lovingly known as "Keisha" or "Lakeish," was born on February 17, 1978, to Michael Ellison and Lorraine Smikle at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. She was the second of four children for her mother and the second of eight for her father, surrounded by the love and energy of a big family.

She lived with her mother until the age of three before going to live with her sister Michelle, who resided with their grandparents, and her Aunt Sharon ("Aunty Sher"), who helped raise her into adulthood.

In her early years, she began school at Charles Chin-Loy Basic School in Tivoli Gardens, then went on to Denham Town Primary School and later Tivoli Gardens High School. After being forced to withdraw due to the infamous West Kingston war of the 1990s, Lakeisha gave birth to her one and only son, Michael Phillips, at the age of 17. Though she became a teenage mother, she persevered, returning to school to further her education at the Heart Academy in Constant Spring and through evening classes at St. Andrew Technical High School.

From childhood, Lakeisha was the comedian of the family—quick-witted, joyful, and always ready to bring laughter. She dreamed of becoming an actress and working alongside her idol, Oliver Samuels. That dream began to take shape when she joined the Area Youths program for inner-city children aspiring to act. Her talent soon carried her on tours across England and beyond, where her natural ability captivated audiences and revealed her remarkable gift.

Through these opportunities, she entered the Jamaican theatre world, and what began as a childhood dream quickly became reality. She performed in numerous plays, and her greatest joy came when she finally met and worked with Oliver Samuels. Together, they traveled the world, performing on stages across many countries.

Lakeisha's talent extended far beyond theatre. She appeared in films, television series, commercials, and even on billboards. She truly lived her dream, becoming a beloved face and voice of Jamaican theatre and entertainment.

In 2024, her world was shaken when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. True to her spirit, she faced it head-on. Determined to fight, she traveled overseas for treatment, clinging to hope and believing in healing. For a time, there was progress, but despite her strength and perseverance, she eventually succumbed to her illness.

Lakeisha leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of laughter, talent, and strength. She will be deeply missed by her mother, Lorraine "Peaches" Smikle; her siblings, Michelle, Aretha, Peta-Gaye ("Gungo"), Michael, Dave, Nadia, Brandy, and Brandon; her grandsons, Malik and Mikhail ("Tooshay"), who she adored with her whole heart; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her father, Michael Ellison, and her brother, Peter ("Pops").

As part of a large and close-knit family, Lakeisha will also be remembered by her beloved aunts—Sharon, Patricia, and Angela—and her uncle, Courtney, along with countless others who were blessed to know her.

Lakeisha fought bravely, with strength and hope, until the very end. Today, we gather not only to grieve her passing but to celebrate the life, the laughter, and the spirit of our warrior princess.

Rest well in paradise, Lakeisha, until we meet again—our angel, our light, our inspiration.