Kelvin A. Haywood

Kelvin Haywood, a lifelong resident of Trenton, New Jersey, completed his assignment here on Earth on March 2, 2026, at Serenity at Robert Wood Johnson, with his beloved son, Trevon Haywood, and bonus daughter, Koffee Watkins, by his side.

Affectionately known as "Big Smoove," Kelvin was the only child born to his loving parents, Herman and Maebell Haywood. At the young age of 18, Kelvin enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served as an Army medic before being honorably discharged.

In 1981, Kelvin began his long and dedicated career with the State of New Jersey as a Principal Vault Clerk. Over the course of 39 years, he served with integrity, commitment, and excellence until his retirement in 2020. Throughout his employment, Kelvin also served as a Shop Steward for Local 1033, tirelessly advocating for his coworkers and always standing up as a voice for the voiceless. As he often said, "It needs to make sense."

Kelvin's life was deeply rooted in helping, loving, and guiding others to become their best selves. He spent more than 10 years coaching youth in the West End League and Pop Warner, truly embodying the spirit of "it takes a village." His dedication helped shape and mentor many young people throughout the city of Trenton, and his passion for sports and youth development was undeniable.

A true sports enthusiast, Kelvin was a devoted fan of the New York Knicks in basketball, the Minnesota Vikings in football, and the Cincinnati Reds in baseball. He was a genuine sports connoisseur who could talk about the game with anyone. Beyond sports, Kelvin enjoyed the simple pleasures of life-reading books, sipping his black coffee, and sitting outside watching people just be people. He had a gift for giving thoughtful advice, and his door and ears were always open to anyone who needed guidance or simply someone to listen.

Kelvin cherished being "Pop Pop" to his grandchildren, but above all else, he loved being a father. The bond he shared with his son Trevon was, and will forever remain, unbreakable.

Kelvin will be deeply missed. His infectious energy, roaring laughter, and flirty yet respectful personality left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Though he is no longer with us in the physical, his spirit, wisdom, and love will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his mother Maebell Haywood; father Herman Haywood; son Justin Haywood; granddaughter Legacy Watkins; 3 aunts Alberta Tooley, Eva hill, and Jessie Porter; 5 uncles David Hunt, Richard Hunt, William Hunt, Morris, and Norris Hunt.

Kelvin's memory will be cherished and forever remembered by his son Trevon Haywood, significant partner Sharon Stroman; grandchildren: Justin Jr. Haywood, Shavonna Haywood, J'Andre Haywood, lvonna Haywood, Dashawn Woodward, lvionna Johnson Gamble, Keeon Burke Jr., Ka'sean Rivers; an uncle Bobby Hunt; his cousin Ann Hill; 2 bonus daughters Koffee Watkins, Taura Watkins-Rivers; special and lifelong friends: Clayton Dixon, Vernest Foreman Rice, Lori Funchess, Theresa Watkins, Shimmay Mewborn-Arrington; the mothers of his 2 sons, Lisa Cruse and Patricia Haywood; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11am Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, Ewing, NJ.

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