Londyn L. Lockridge "Lon-Lon"

Londyn Layla Lockridge (Lon) was born on November 25, 2010, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the parents of Tristen Lockridge and Tanika Jefferson. With both parents sharing their love for family, music, travel, and good times in the city, welcoming Londyn into this world with love and adventure was effortless. Lon began her early childhood education attending preschool at Community Concern #13. Learning the beginning stages of communication and expression, Lon had no problem holding hour -long conversations talking about all the unique colors, animals, textures, activities, songs, and celebrities she knew. At the age of 3 she practiced ballet and gymnastics and enjoyed hobbies like crafting, painting, swimming, dancing, and listening to music. In 2016 Lon experienced her first and only move up ceremony at Community Concern #13. Soon after, her school age journey began as she received elementary education from William D. Kelley public school and the Gesu School, then continued at Freire Charter Middle School, where her love for science and the arts grew. Although she was never eager to grow up, Londyn knew maturity was knocking at her door. And with the support of her parents, close friends, and family she was willing to take on the next challenge. As education became a priority, coming of age meant growing in responsibilities and making smart decisions in life; Lon began to understand what balance looked and felt like. She always made time to practice and enjoy her crafts while learning to put her best foot forward in school. Although Lon would notice she could spend hours in her world of creativity and on the phone, she was reminded “the higher the grade level, the bigger the effort”. She grew eager to demonstrate how open she was to be exploring new ideas, how determined she was to find a solution to a problem and how willing she was to cultivate new skills. At this very young age she was learning how to balance it all, and self-care was always a part of her balance. Lon was quick to pick up new hobbies in fashion, music, and the arts, but engaging in self-care was her ultimate favorite; anything with cool textures, colorful patterns, scientific methods and pleasant smells kept her in her happy place. Even when school became a challenge, Lon could not wait to go home to play with gadgets, practice her skin care routine and explore hairstyles. Visiting different places, retail shopping and trying new things kept her occupied but hanging out with family and close friends gave her pure joy - feeling whole and motivated in life. As much as she knew about music and fashion artists, Lon knew just as much when it came to knowing intricate details of every family member and friend, she developed a close relationship with. Lon was known for her laugh, smile, positivity and always having a good time but nothing could beat her kind heart, her gift-giving and the love for her family and friends. Mom and Dad were her core (best friend and homie), they knew her inside and out and there was no secret she couldn’t tell them. Lon adored her great grandparents, Pop Pop (Butch Jackson 2018) and Nana (Della Jackson 2021) as they exemplified selfless love and showed her an endless amount of support growing up. She kept a special bond with her Aunt Tee Tee, who showed up every time and Mom Mom (who was her best friend) as they showed up for Lon every time. She shared silly moments and precious memories with her G. Mom, memorable times with Pop Pop Robert and family, dance battles and heart-to-heart talks with Aunt Ray and Aunt Tiffy and Lon always had the best times and shared series of laughs with her crew: Kennedy, Malayjah, Jayde, Taj, Ikey, Gracie, Milan, Shayla, ‘Liyah, Farrah, and other close classmates. She learned a lot about the importance of giving back to her community and to the less fortunate. Lon would always take up for her peers and would never let negativity linger around for too long. She learned quickly from her mistakes whenever her mother held her accountable, and she listened carefully when receiving instruction from her father - now that is responsible. Londyn enjoyed living her best life. She supported and celebrated her family and friends at every opportunity she was given and always represented Philadelphia, especially her Newkirk/28th Street community. Londyn was a good time to be around, always carrying a good vibe. She took her first flight to Disney World and even decided to return 3 times. Urban Air owed her nothing at all as that was one of her favorite recreational activities to do. She loved animals, especially sea creatures and thoroughly enjoyed learning about them while visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, the Baltimore, and New Jersey Aquarium and her go-to search engine, YouTube. Of course, Lon was already planning and looking forward to her 14th birthday as she discussed remodeling her room and taking a cruise, visiting Cancun Mexico. Lon aspired a career as a Scientist or a Toy Designer designer, keeping fashion and music in mind. Even when she knew school would get tough, she was confident in her skills and knew she would be ready for the workplace and be fully supported as an entrepreneur once she had finished high school. Affectionately loved by family and friends, Lon happily embraced nicknames such as Lon, Lon-Lon and Lon-Bun. Some of her fondest memories were with her family and may those memories last forever. May her kind, loving spirit and creativity live within our youth and carry them throughout their years of growth and development. Lon would want everyone to try new things and go after our dreams, just as if they were #Forever13. Londyn is survived by her parents, Tristen and Tanika, grandparents (Yvonne Jefferson, Bernadette Lockridge, Robert Adams (Kaleesha), God Parents, Karita and Barbara Aunts (Aunt Tee Tee, Kennedy, Aunt Ray, Aunt Tiffy, Shaquetta and Nychell), Uncles (Khylee, Aatif, Rahdee), siblings (India, Iyannah, Malayjah, Jayden, Zephaniah, Mekhi) A host of great Aunts and Uncles.

and a host of loving cousins, close knit friends and community members as well as teachers.

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