Camden McKinley Tarver

Camden was born May 20, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana and was the only child of Jasmine Washington and Willi (Will) Tarver. His grandfather Willie Tarver and great grandparents Raymond Sr and Marvena Washington, Charles Walton Sr, George and Willie Mae Parhams, and Robert and Orceola Tarver, preceded him in death.

Camden attended Our Place Child Care Ministry for daycare and Brook Park Early Learning Center for Preschool and Kindergarten. He tested into the Lawrence Township High Ability Program and was set to attend St. Matthew Catholic School on a full scholarship.

Although short, he lived a memorable, happy life. Camden was witty, smart, playful, strong-willed, and creative. He impressed those around him with his intelligence, bravery, and resilience. He was the sweetest kid who was adored by teachers, medical staff, friends, and family. He was so loved.

Camden had the greatest laugh and a smile that lit up a room. He had a huge imagination, always asked inquisitive questions, and didn’t forget anything. He was extremely bright, knew the most sight words in his Kindergarten class, and was a class leader and model student who never got into trouble.

Camden played baseball and took swimming lessons and was perfecting his advanced reading and writing skills and learning how to ride a bike and skateboard. He loved playing board games and Mario Kart. He was a Disney trivia expert and had the best time on his trip to Disney World. He was proud of his substantial Disney Doorables collection that is still spread across his bedroom floor. He loved slushies, superheroes, action figures, music, and Youtube videos. He enjoyed trips to libraries, parks, museums, aquariums, zoos, Chuck E. Cheese, and Target.

He spent the last year of his life in hospital rooms and doctors’ offices and didn’t complain. His last birthday and holidays were spent away from home. He fought his unfair diagnosis with strength, perseverance, and courage.

Camden passed away at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on December 7, 2024, after a year-long battle with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). He left us way too soon. It has been said that the quality of life is far more important than the quantity and Camden touched many lives during his 6.5 years here.

Camden is survived by his mother, Jasmine Washington; father, Will Tarver; great-grandmother Joan Walton; grandparents, McKinley and Charlemae Menefee and Raymond II and Mia-Lon Washington; uncle, Raymond Washington III (Haylee); aunts Lorelei (Toney) Coleman, Anquenetta Tarver, and Danielle Washington; and cousins, Amiyah, Raymond IV, Royce, Alex, Airee, Kendall, Toney Jr, Zachary, Jeanette, Karnisha, Jessica, and Tela; and many other relatives that loved him.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held.