Kyona Marie Claiborne "Kee" was granted her wings to fly away home on Sunday, November 15, 2009. Kee was the first born of Gene, Sr. and Candice Claiborne, and the first grandchild of what is now the Claiborne clan. Her brother Gene, Jr. arrived three years later, but Kee knew him as her big brother "mam." Kyona defied the odds and lived for 26 years with Cerebral Palsy. Her family however small, managed to provide in-home care for those 26 years, making whatever sacrifice necessary to keep her at home. Although bed written and totally dependent on the care of others, you were most often reeted by her beautiful broad smile. She vacationed at her Uncle Stu, and aunt Nora's house. Her cousins would move out of their room, so Kee could move in for the weekend. Candy would call before leaving, instructing the daily household to put away KJ the dog, I'm on my way she would say. The dog would automatically go into protector/guardian mode once Kee was in the house and when her very own mother would come to pick her up, KJ wouldn't let her pass unless she knew the majic password, Nora, Stu, somebody come and get this crazy dog! Kee loved to laugh, and the family said and did just about anything to see that happen. Grandma LoLo would sing the tauh tauh song and dance, aunt Nora would say, not yet Yvette! Cousin Dee would say, see my hair Kee? Kyona attended Baltimore City Schools and she was in girl scout. She enjoyed watching movies and Home Alone was her all time favorite. Although she could not speak, her smile spoke for her. She could not move her arms and leg and yet, when she laughed, her whole body jiggled in excitement. Kyona has had a tremendous impact on our family, she has taught us some invaluable life lessons. We have learned from her life to love unconditionally, to look at one's inner spirit and not one's physical appearence, to keep the faith no matter what your limitations are, to be grateful, no matter what the circumstances are, and to be thankful to God, because in spite of what it looks like, he is working it out for your good and His glory. To celebrate her life and legacy, Kyona leaves behind her father, Gene Claiborne, Sr.; mother Candice Claiborne; devoted brother, Gene Claiborne, Jr.; loving grand parents, Wendell Saunders, Gene W. Claiborne, Lois Claiborne, and Agatha R. Saunders, who proceeded her in death, aunts and uncles and a clan of cousins and loyal friends. Special reconitions and thanks to the dedicated nurses of Comprehensive Nursing Services, and all other support agencies.