Amber Gilkey

1984 ~ 2023

Date of Death: March 9, 2023

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Gilkey family. Amber’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Amber Gilkey.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Amber Nicole (Akir Donnell) Gilkey was born July 26, 1984 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Michael Russell Gilkey, Sr. and Donna Jean Gilkey. Akir graduated from Conway Senior High School in 2002. Akir was a pillar for the LGBQT community and started the transgender transition in February of 2020. Akir enjoyed detailing cars, drawing, listening to music, dancing, running, playing basketball, and making Tik Toks. He was always the life of the party. Everyone knew there was never a dull moment when he was in your presence.

Akir departed this life on Thursday, March 9, 2023, surrounded by family. Akir was preceded in death by father, Michael Gilkey Sr; grandparents, Josie and Howard Gikey; grandfathers, Johnnie Jones, Sr. and Troy Oates; aunt, Sheila Gilkey; and a younger brother. Shanon Gatewood.

Akir leaves to cherish loving memories, one daughter, Miccah Gilkey; mother, Donna Gilkey; two sisters, Tamekah Corley and Natasha (Cornell) Maltbia; five brothers, Michael Ray (PA), Michael Russell Gilkey, Rodney Russell Gilkey, Jermey (Angie) Gatewood all of Conway, Arkansas; Roy Gatewood, Jr. of Russellville, Arkansas; a grandmother, Elvira Jones of Conway, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Family hour will be held from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, both at Veasley Funeral Home.

Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023, 2:30pm at True Holiness Saints Center, 198 Hwy 286 E, Conway, Arkansas 72034.