Kendal Jermaine Goode was born on June 16, 1972 to Janice Goode and Samuel Ricks. Kendal and his younger sister, Kimberly, were raised by their loving and supportive parents, Janice and Olanders Benjamin, in Chesapeake, VA.
Kendal started cutting his own hair when he was just 14, teaching his sister how to edge him up in the back before quickly mastering it on his own. By 16, he had established a clientele, regularly cutting hair for friends and family in the hall bathroom and later, the garage at his parent’s house. As a barber, Kendal built genuine relationships with his customers, some dating as far back as the ‘90s.
Kendal graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1990. He was a dedicated and invaluable member of the mighty Hornets varsity football team all throughout high school. Exhibiting yet more athletic prowess, Kendal set the state record in track and field for throwing the shot put – a record that remained firmly in place even after his sister graduated five years later. After graduation, Kendal attended Norfolk State University where he studied architectural design. He and his family later moved to Suffolk in 1995.
Kendal is the father of two beautiful and talented children: Kenya Goode (18), who graduated high school in May, and Kendal Westbrook (14), a rising 9th grader. Kenya and her dad shared a playful nature, exchanging laughs and silly faces. He loved listening to her sing and bragged about her often. He shared his love of sports with the younger Kendal, especially football, which they bonded over early on. Kendal could often be found coaching his son from the sidelines at football games or helping him at batting cages.
Kendal is fondly remembered for his ability to lighten up a room and often brought people to tears with his relentless sense of humor and love of cracking jokes. No one was exempt from being the target of his jokes. Although Kendal was known for his serious and intimidating looks, his humor always softened that perception.
Kendal Jermaine Goode, 50, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 5, 2022. He was predeceased by his biological father, Samuel Ricks; grandmother, Elsie Goode; and grandfather, John Goode.
Kendal leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Kenya Goode of Atlanta, GA; son, Kendal Westbrook of Norfolk, VA; stepson, Ishon Westbrook of Norfolk, VA; parents, Janice Benjamin and Olanders Benjamin, Jr. of Suffolk, VA; sister, Kimberly Goode-Harrell (Will) of Suffolk, VA; two nephews, Justin and Jaden Harrell; sister, Taneeka Ricks of Chesapeake, VA; and a multitude of other beloved relatives and friends.
