Marlyse Janell "MK" Kemp

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Ms. Marlyse Janell “MK” Kemp, 22, of Elkhart, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in the emergency department at Elkhart General Hospital from injuries sustained after being struck by an automobile along County Road 20 earlier in the evening. She was born in Elkhart on December 9, 1999 and was the daughter of William Edward “Mookie” Kemp and Nicole Amber Young, both from Elkhart. Other individuals who had a great impact on MK’s life were her step-father of many years Toby D. Stepney of Elkhart, her uncle William “Bill” Young of Elkhart who was MK’s “partner-in-crime” on many of their adventures together, and her late paw-paw, retired Elkhart Police officer Lawrence G. “Larry” Young, who always gave Marlyse sound and valuable advice throughout her life.

Also surviving MK is her sweet, three-year-old daughter, Yvonne Denise Kemp, whose radiant smile can capture the heart of anyone; her sisters Makaya Young of Texas and Krista Young of Elkhart; brothers Travon and Ethan Stepney of Elkhart; grandparents Rod and Jeanette Young of Elkhart and Mary Kemp of Tennessee and great-grandma Nila Young of Elkhart. Additionally, MK is survived by a huge loving host of extended family and friends, as she was well-loved amongst her peers. Along with her paw-paw Larry, MK is preceded in death by her late brother Keandre M. "Dre" Baker of Elkhart, who passed away as the result of a gunshot wound earlier in July.

The AGAPE Missionary Baptist Church, 248 West Wolf Avenue, Elkhart, will be hosting the celebration of Marlyse’s life beginning with a time of visitation for family and friends starting at 11:00 am on Friday, August 5, 2022.  Formal services will then begin at 1:00 pm with the Reverend Dr. Dannell Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Olive East Cemetery in Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family with the arrangements.

MK had attended Elkhart (Central and Memorial) High School and was employed at the Boyd Company in Elkhart as a production worker at the time of her passing. Her friends would say that MK was “sunshine in a bottle” and had a natural ability to put a smile on even the sourest of faces. She lived to please her family and friends, and she really loved to be in a position to help someone out if they needed it.

MK loved the arts, and enjoyed singing, drawing and composing motivational sayings and poems to help herself and her friends navigate through difficult days. She also found a lot of comfort reading Bible scriptures, and had a specific scripture set aside to read during certain types of problems.    

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Marlyse’s name may do so by making a gift to the AGAPE Missionary Baptist Church. Also, do not forget to browse MK’s obituary page on our website as you can leave or read comments, post pictures, share memories or purchase memorial items like flowers and such.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlyse Janell "MK" Kemp, please visit our floral store.