Westley James Freedman Kershaw

Westley James Freedman Kershaw, of Amityville New York, went home to be with the LORD on June 19, 2015. Westley was the son of the late Walter Kershaw and Eloise Maude Marshall married November 24, 1955 in Hempstead New York. Westley was born into that marriage on April 17, 1958 in Copaigue, New York. His mother Eloise remarried in 1966 to the late Samuel W. Brathwaite who raised Westley as his own son. The two formed a strong bond.

At a youngster, Westley enjoyed attending boy scouts with his grandfather, Ferdinand Devine, affectionately known as “Poppy”. The two were always inseparable. During his youth he was Poppy and Westley attended many Boy Scout camping trips and Westley was also a member of the American Legion, Sons of The American Legion. He attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church under Father DeWolfe where he became an acolyte and also a youth counselor at Camp DeWolfe. Westley enjoyed the many Friday night youth nights hold in the Parrish Social Hall attending the youth socials, volleyball games, and other various sports.

Westley attended Saints John’s the Baptist Diocese High School where he graduated in June of 1976, one of only 3 black students that attended the school at that time. After high school and with the influence of his God-Father Fred Avery, he matriculated to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN. While attending FISK he was the campus DJ at the radio station, hosting the late night show. Westley had a soothing voice that all the women loved. He was exposed to music, especially jazz, at a young age by his father the late Samuel Brathwaite.

Westley began promoting events and helping others to build their dreams. He assisted with creating websites, managing accounts, promoting ideas, as well as fundraising. Eventually his corporation Fat Dogs, was birthed out of the premise of building better and stronger communities. He soon met owner, Les Baxter, and developed the reality of the BBQ Pit, and aided him with opening 3 additional locations where BBQ is served and Jazz is played.

Westley had a gift for writing and dreamed to write for various entertainment industries. He wrote soap operas and actually had one debut on television. His creativity didn’t end there and this showed through his love for photography. Westley wrote many transcripts, plays, and created websites. He was very protective and passionate about his writings. In his most recent years helped produce the 2014 Nashville Jazz Festival.
Westley decided to join the military and scored extremely high on his entrance exam which elevated him to a different ranking status. After a short enrollment in the military he returned home to take care of his mother who had been diagnosed with cancer. During a long battle with cancer, Westley cared for and helped to transition his mother. He shared many stories of how the two bonded. During this time, he was also a Manager at the local McDonalds and was very moved from the love of his night team, who would come and assist him with the care and solace of his mom.
In 2007 Westley moved to Nashville after meeting his devoted friend Latasha Williams. The two shared a very special bond. God also brought him to the Patel family at the Roadway Inn where he worked and helped manage until his illness.
Westley Kershaw leaves to cherish his loving memories 1 sister Lenore E. Brathwaite (Long Island, NY), Latasha Williams( devoted friend ) extended family, Johnny Patel ( who he considered like a brother), Everett Collins (Cousin) , Nature ‘ Monae Wesby (God-daughter) Ainsley Bean (Uncle & God-father), Fred Avery (God-Father), The Roadway Inn Patel Family, a host of Bean cousins (New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Louisiana), and a host of family and friends.
Visitation with the family Tuesday, June 23, 2015 from 1:00p.m. until 3:00p.m. at Highland Hills Chapel, 2422 Brick Church Pike.