Jebari Mandela Bates, affectionately known as “JB,” began his journey on this earth on February 22, 1986, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the cherished youngest of two children born to Bok-Keem Bates and Shelia Elmore Bates.

JB spent his formative years in Brooklyn, attending Phyl’s Academy Preparatory School before cultivating his artistic eye at the High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan. He continued his education at Cheyney University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. This marked the beginning of a vibrant career in film and video editing. JB was a true “creative mad scientist” behind the camera—respected for his precision, vision, and passion for storytelling. 

Beyond his professional gifts, JB held a deep love for music and was a talented lyricist who could effortlessly “spit rhymes.” His humor, warmth, and signature laugh lit up every room he entered. In 2013, he co-founded the media company Lost ArtBK alongside his brothers in creativity, Nigel Welch and Keven Griffith.

On July 17, 2020, Jebari married his beloved queen, Shea Zéphir, and together they built a partnership often described as the epitome of Black Love. Their lives were forever transformed with the birth of their daughter, ZaZie, on February 13, 2023—a moment of pure pride and purpose for Jebari, who adored being a husband and father.

On December 2, 2025, Jebari transitioned to join the Ancestors, reuniting with his unborn children—a baby girl and son, Olu Zéphir Bates. Though his earthly assignment has ended, he leaves behind a profound legacy of love, creativity, and light.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Shea Zéphir Mandela Bates; his beloved daughter, ZaZie Omoye; his devoted parents, Bok-Keem and Shelia Bates; his older brothers, Kanem Bornu and Quaison Bok-Keem; and his sister, Xhosa Fulani. To also cherish his memory he leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Olympia, Emanni, Eli, Levi, Chloe, Jahir, Aasir, Sadiq, Ashanti, and Aliyah; his two great-nieces, Audra and Aya; and great-nephew Jarvis Jr. He is additionally survived by his mother-in-law, Heidi C. Zéphir; his brothers-in-law, Maulik Patel and Michael Ross; two aunts, Gwendolyn Cupe (Donny) and Christine Morgan; two uncles, Kenny (Sharon) and Scott Elmore (Jaimi); and a host of loving family members and friends. Jebari was a true gift to all of us, and we are eternally thankful for the time we were blessed to spend with him. We thank God for allowing us to love him and be loved by him over these thirty-nine years. He will forever be remembered.

“If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,

I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.”

With enduring love,

Bok-Keem & Shelia Bates

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life, we loved you dearly, in death, we’ll do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone. For parts of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you. You’re always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God called us one by one, our family links will join together again.

Acknowledgments

The Family wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the love, prayers, and support during this time of bereavement.