Obituary for Jahmel A. "Flip" Tarver
TROY - Jahmel "Flip" Tarver, 34, died peacefully in the comfort of his home, on December 12, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Jahmel died after a 7 year battle with medical problems as a result of complications that arose during a routine surgery in 2014, to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Born in Troy on September 19, 1987, son of Juanita Lewis and Joe Tarver(Lisa Bettie), he was a 2006 Watervliet High School graduate.
A star baseball and football athlete for Troy and Watervliet High Schools, Jahmel continued his football career, playing for the semi-pro Troy Fighting Irish for 5 years before his tragic accident. There he starred as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He holds several single season records for the team and his jersey number, #2, has been retired in his honor. The 2014 NFA National Championship, which the Fighting Irish won, was dedicated to Flip by his faithful teammates. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2018. Although he continued his football career as an adult, Mel loved and played all sports, enjoyed family time and loved riding his motorcycles.
Survivors in addition to his parents Juanita and Joe(Lisa), include his wife of 13 years, Naomi Wilkinson Tarver, children Jah-szalina and Tierzah Tarver, Naomi's daughters Alicia and Mya, brother Jahlaa Tarver, sister Kadayah Tarver(Rayson Smith), brother Joshua Lewis, sister Diana(Quazar) Williams, maternal grandmother Diana (John)Gallo, paternal grandfather Ira McCullers, Sr, uncles Miles(Marquita)Lewis and Floyd (Vivian) Sousis, Ira McCullers Jr and Amir McCullers, his aunts Barbara Dobbs(Miesha Dobbs), Yakema Tarver and Kymeesha Tarver, Auntie TaMárah Philpot, Aunt Promelia Forette Bruni, niece Reign Smith, nephew Jay’Saun Smith, niece Sanaiya, cousin Ray, and a host of other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jahmeer Lewis, paternal grandmother Felicia Tarver, maternal aunts Ange and Katrina Lewis and nephew Keeper.
Calling hours will be held on Sat. Dec 18th at John J Sanvidge Funeral Home, 565 4th Ave, Troy, NY 12180 from 10AM - 12PM with a funeral home service to follow at Noon. A private burial service will be held at St. Peter's Cemetery for his family. Per new NYS guidance, face masks will be required for all guests at the services for Jahmel, regardless of vaccination status.
A star baseball and football athlete for Troy and Watervliet High Schools, Jahmel continued his football career, playing for the semi-pro Troy Fighting Irish for 5 years before his tragic accident. There he starred as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He holds several single season records for the team and his jersey number, #2, has been retired in his honor. The 2014 NFA National Championship, which the Fighting Irish won, was dedicated to Flip by his faithful teammates. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2018. Although he continued his football career as an adult, Mel loved and played all sports, enjoyed family time and loved riding his motorcycles.
Survivors in addition to his parents Juanita and Joe(Lisa), include his wife of 13 years, Naomi Wilkinson Tarver, children Jah-szalina and Tierzah Tarver, Naomi's daughters Alicia and Mya, brother Jahlaa Tarver, sister Kadayah Tarver(Rayson Smith), brother Joshua Lewis, sister Diana(Quazar) Williams, maternal grandmother Diana (John)Gallo, paternal grandfather Ira McCullers, Sr, uncles Miles(Marquita)Lewis and Floyd (Vivian) Sousis, Ira McCullers Jr and Amir McCullers, his aunts Barbara Dobbs(Miesha Dobbs), Yakema Tarver and Kymeesha Tarver, Auntie TaMárah Philpot, Aunt Promelia Forette Bruni, niece Reign Smith, nephew Jay’Saun Smith, niece Sanaiya, cousin Ray, and a host of other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jahmeer Lewis, paternal grandmother Felicia Tarver, maternal aunts Ange and Katrina Lewis and nephew Keeper.
Calling hours will be held on Sat. Dec 18th at John J Sanvidge Funeral Home, 565 4th Ave, Troy, NY 12180 from 10AM - 12PM with a funeral home service to follow at Noon. A private burial service will be held at St. Peter's Cemetery for his family. Per new NYS guidance, face masks will be required for all guests at the services for Jahmel, regardless of vaccination status.