Khiel Demetrius Ivory was born on October 24, 2004, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to his loving parents, Betty Willis and Diondre Ivory. He was Betty’s baby boy, a cherished son, and a young man whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and light to everyone blessed to know him. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, God called Khiel home to eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and purpose that will never be forgotten.

From a very young age, Khiel, also known to his friends and family as “Fendi and El,” showed signs of greatness. He carried himself with a gentle heart, a caring spirit, and a quiet determination that touched those around him. Khiel attended Central Baptist Academy and Cincinnati College Prep Academy and later graduated from Woodward High School in 2024. Even as a young student, he felt called to care for others. His passion for helping people led him to pursue classes to become a state-tested nursing assistant while continuing his education.

After graduating from high school, Khiel continued to follow his dream of becoming a nurse. While working toward that goal, he also supported his mother, Betty, with her childcare business, showing the same love, patience, and responsibility that defined so much of who he was. Through focus, faith, and determination, Khiel graduated from Fortis School of Nursing in 2025, passed his nursing boards, and started his nursing career at Harmony Court Nursing Facility and Norwood Nursing Facility, where he was dedicated to serving and caring for others.

Khiel also had an entrepreneurial spirit, a gift he inherited from his mother. He dreamed not only of building a life for himself, but of creating opportunities to serve people who needed compassion, support, and care. With a heart for the vulnerable and a desire to make a difference in the community, Khiel purchased a home and opened Khiel’s Helping Hands group home in June of this year.

Although Khiel’s time on earth was far too short, he accomplished so much and loved deeply along the way. He was kind, sweet, thoughtful, and full of light. Khiel loved to shine—not only through his sense of style, but through the way he made people feel seen, valued, and cared for in his presence. His smile, his spirit, and his love will remain forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Khiel was preceded in death by his beloved grandmothers, Mary Lou Bullock and Bertha Ivory, whose love and guidance remain a cherished part of his family’s legacy.

Khiel leaves to cherish memory his beautiful mother, Betty Willis; his father, Diondre Ivory; his loving sister, Khia Ivory; his half-siblings, Dandrea Ivory, Diondre Jackson, Mahogny Dubose, and Ke'Yiondre Wagoner; his grandparents, Jvelyn Davis; Tomeka Oliver and Vernon Willis (April); great grandfather, Superintendent James R. Willis Sr; his aunt, Cassondra Willis (Charles); his uncles, Vernon Willis (Sannika) and Demetrius Ivory (Tira Michelle); and a host of dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him deeply.

The family would also like to recognize John Young, a special friend to Khiel, whose friendship held a meaningful place in his life.

One of Khiel’s greatest goals in life was to make sure his mother, Betty, and his sister, Khia, were always taken care of—and while he was here, he did just that with love, devotion, and pride. Khiel touched so many lives in his short time on earth, leaving behind kindness, warmth, and generosity that will continue to live on through those who loved him. Betty asks that everyone honor Khiel’s memory by putting good into the world and carrying his warm heart and giving spirit forward to others.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:00 am until 10:30 am, on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Corinthian Baptist Church - Tennessee Ave., 1920 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati (45237). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 10:30 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Ivory family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Ivory family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.