Like a Lion, KeKe Fantroy Was Strong and Proud
Her loyalty to family and friends will always be remembered
This story is part of Know Their Names, a collection of articles illuminating and celebrating the lives of Black Trans women.
Rhonda Comer will remember her daughter, KeKe Fantroy, as a lion. Recently, Rhonda bought a Pandora lion head charm because it represents strength and courage. The ruler of the animal kingdom is also a humble creature. Lions have good memories. They’re loyal and pure. It’s about the symbolism until it’s not. KeKe exists with Rhonda, as a lion, taking care of her the way she did in life.
KeKe was giving. She wanted the people around her to feel good, confident, and happy. According to her mom, KeKe was always thinking of others, especially her siblings, whom she’d bring “just because” gifts to show that she loved them.
“KeKe would give you [her] shirt off [her] back if [she] could,” says Carlesha Durham, a family friend.
Though news reports spell her name as Kiki, she preferred KeKe. Growing up, KeKe was quiet, Carlesha says. She was less resolute than she was as an adult, less committed to being fully herself. But as she transitioned, KeKe grew into her confidence and thought less about others’ impressions of her. She worked toward being herself and defining who that was.
“One thing about KeKe was you had to accept [her] for who [she] was. [She] had so much confidence. So nobody else’s comment even mattered,” Rhonda says.
KeKe, born September 28, 1997, was one of 13 children. Raised in Homestead, Florida, she was an older sister and a mentor in the family, someone who wanted to make others laugh and bring light to those around her.
“[She] believed in love. She was one of the people that her spirit wouldn’t allow you to be mad with her long,” Rhonda says.
KeKe grew up in the church, Carlesha says. Though she received pushback for being Trans, she always maintained her patience and respect for others, no matter their opinions or values. According to Carlesha, KeKe learned to lead with respect for others, a kind of deference for the different ways people might live their lives.
Carlesha grew up with KeKe’s mother and watched KeKe and her siblings mature. “KeKe was just a delightful child, fun to be around. [An] all-around genuine person,” she says.
“[She] believed in love. She was one of the people that her spirit wouldn’t allow you to be mad with her long.”
When KeKe and her siblings were young, Rhonda wanted them to play football. KeKe’s brothers and sisters would practice and enjoy tossing the ball around, but KeKe had no interest.
“When [she] came out, I never fought [her] about it,” Rhonda says. “I always taught [her] to stand tall. If your child can’t come to you, who can they turn to?”
KeKe took her mother’s lessons and didn’t question who she was. She didn’t allow others to question who she was. She had conviction.
Adventurous at heart, KeKe would travel with friends to other states, including Georgia. She would give her mom a call just to check in. KeKe would tell her that she was okay, that she felt her mother’s prayers, that her words kept her and held her.
KeKe’s younger sister Naya says KeKe loved to be around family and reveled in conversation. The two would talk about boy problems, issues at school, which parties to go to — and which ones to skip. Naya knew she could rely on KeKe for anything. “I could always call on KeKe if I need anything,” she says, “even if I just needed a hug.”
KeKe enjoyed treats, especially banana pudding. One memory Naya keeps dear to her is when she walked into the kitchen to see a once-full container of banana pudding on the table, empty. KeKe had eaten the pudding but told Naya that she didn’t. Naya tricked her into telling the truth by saying she had put something in the pudding, and KeKe came around a few minutes later, wondering if she was going to be okay.
“I will never forget that. [She] would go out and eat whatever [she] wanted,” Naya recalls. “[She] lied and two minutes [later] came back [and said], ‘Don’t be mad at me.’”
Rhonda says KeKe was considering doing hair or nails professionally or working in fashion. KeKe was interested in professions that allowed her to help people look good. She was a natural—helping her mom put together outfits or advising Rhonda on clothing and accessories.
When Rhonda wasn’t being styled by KeKe, she would give KeKe advice, urging her to be a leader, never to follow, much like the lion charm that now reflects her memory: “I always tell [her], no matter what, always be the best at whatever you do.”
On July 31, KeKe was coming home from a party with friends in Miami when she was fatally shot. According to media reports, police believe she was the victim of a robbery. Rhonda believes KeKe was targeted because she was Transgender. She was 21.
KeKe’s death was a major loss for family and friends. KeKe’s loved ones find solace in the memories they created with her. She is remembered as a lion and as someone who was dutiful to those she loved.
“KeKe was a joyous person, a friend, a family friend, someone that you can just chill with,” Carlesha says. “Someone that would have your back. Loyal.”
