Carlton Vandelas Kilson, Jr.

, Carlton “CJ” Kilson Jr. was born on August 21, 1989, in Newark, Delaware, to Lisa Kilson Doran and Carlton Kilson Sr. He passed away on February 27, 2026, at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.

CJ received his education within the Christina School District, where he later held various jobs, including working at Delaware Park and working at a Cocoa factory, often bringing home pieces of cocoa to share with his loved ones.

He was known for his radiant smile and his ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him; his happiness was truly infectious. CJ had a thing for humor and enjoyed playful interactions with his family and friends.

He enjoyed hobbies such as fishing and drawing, which he loved to do the most, he even tattooed the word “YETTI” on his leg. He could do construction work and probably build a house from the ground up!

He was deeply devoted to his daughters, mother, sister, and brother, proudly proclaiming, “I’m Lisa’s son,” a sentiment he chose to immortalize with a tattoo.

CJ experienced the profound loss of his beloved partner and the mother of his two daughters, Martina Handy, approximately three and a half years prior, yet he forged a deep, meaningful and strong connection with a person dear to his heart who is Emily Smith. He also had a special friend named Alexis Honaker.

CJ was preceded in death by the love of his life, Martina Handy, and great grandparents, Amos and Sarah Sewell, Medford and Dorothy Kilson.

He was survived by his daughters, Cakayla and Caniyah Kilson, his mother Lisa Kilson Doran, His father Carlton Kilson Sr. and his stepfather William Doran, brother Deonte’ Strange (D) and two sisters Diamond Doran (stink) and Talon Doran, his grandparents Doris and Billy Reese, plus a host of other family and friends.