Wednesday, May 27, 2026
We gather to honor the life of my cousin, Ishmel Ali Fulton — a name that always felt powerful to me, even from the very beginning. I am eight years older than him, and I remember when he was just a baby. Even then, something about him stood out to me. I knew he was going to do great things in this world.
Growing up, Ishmel was always fun to be around. He was observant, intelligent, and carried a quiet wisdom even as a child. He paid attention to people. He listened. He understood things deeply. Those qualities followed him into manhood and became part of the reason so many people loved and respected him.
One thing about Ishmel was that he was real. There was no fake love in him. If he loved you, he loved you genuinely and completely. He showed up for people. He checked on my mother and always made sure she felt special on her birthday. Those acts may seem small to some, but they speak volumes about a person’s heart and character.
Ishmel was not only a businessman and community leader, but also someone who truly cared about the well-being of others. He understood the importance of mental health and made efforts to help people who were struggling. He traveled the world, met people from different walks of life, and left pieces of kindness and wisdom everywhere he went.
Most importantly, he was a Son, husband, a father, family, and a beautiful human being. A truly good man.
And in a world where goodness can sometimes feel rare, that matters deeply.
His name, his impact, and the love he gave will never be forgotten. No one can ever take away the kind of man he was or the lives he touched.
Though we grieve today, we also give thanks for having known him, loved him, and shared this life with him.
Rest peacefully, Ishmel Ali Fulton.
Your legacy lives on.
Asé.