Irvo 'Young Vo' Noel Otieno's life celebrated: Rest in peace

CHESTERFIELD — The Celebration of Life for Irvo N. Otieno started about an hour later than expected due to Rev. Al Sharpton's unfortunate travel delay.

I arrived early enough to pay my respects to the young man taken from his family and friends way to soon. I bowed my head and prayed for healing for all of his loved ones and the nation.

The program stated: Irvo "Young Vo" Noel Otieno was suddenly and inhumanely stolen away from his family and friends, at the age of 28, on March 6, 2023, as a result of the actions of people who failed to uphold their oaths of public safety.

The flowers looked beautiful and smelled marvelous. Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Mark Krudys and their wives provided a floral tribute.

Attending Otieno's Celebration of Life service was tough for me. I too lost a loved one tragically; she was murdered. My sister Lori was only 23 with a two-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. I remember viewing her lifeless body. It was gut-wrenching. Sadly, it's just something I'll never forget.

At first, I felt uncomfortable to take pictures at this sad occasion. However, I needed to be a team player for my coworkers and Gannett Publishing. My heart was telling me to go. My brain thought I was nuts.

I shared a table in the press area with Cameron Thompson, a reporter and anchor for CBS 6. He was swell. I picked his brain a time or two or three or four, and he was totally cool with me doing so.

Everyone in attendance, even the children, waited patiently and quietly for Sharpton to arrive. The First Baptist Church of South Richmond Music Ministry's performances were outstanding. They lifted me up greatly.

Black Lives Matter RVA President Lawrence E. West Jr. and Black Lives Matter 757 President Aubrey JaPharil Jones sat together. Jones was donned in a Black Lives Matter 757 shirt.

While waiting, as hard as it was for me, I captured moments to share with our readers. At the time, I felt like all eyes were upon me. I prayed again silently, "Lord, please give me the strength to cover this in a loving, thoughtful manner."

According to plan, I left early. Kudos to the church members and anyone else who coordinated Irvo N. Otieno's Celebration of Life service. Your kindness and assistance brought me comfort.

Visit progress-index.com to watch the video tribute played at the service.

Irvo N. Otieno Celebration of Life Blog: what happened at Irvo Otieno funeral

— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Chesterfield: Irvo N. Otieno Celebration of Life service, gallery