Mr. Michael Jalen Barno transitioned Friday, July 8, 2022.
The family is receiving friends at 639 Brockton Lane, Florence, SC
Celebration of Life for Mr. Michael Jalen Barno will be 12:00 noon Friday, July 15, 2022 at Pentecostal United Churches of Christ Apostolic Convention Center 4430 Pamplico Highway, Florence, SC 29505 interment will follow at Faith Memorial Gardens, Rogers Road, Darlington, S.C. 29532
Public viewing will be 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the funeral home.
Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
Life Reflections
Michael Jalen Barno. son of the late Michael Wallace Barno and Felicia Simms was born in Florence, South Carolina on August 22, 1994. He transitioned Friday July 8, 2020 to be with his Heavenly Father.
Michael, affectionately known as Jalen and popularly known as "Big Mike" and "J-Rock" began his formal education in the Darlington County School district.
He moved to Florence County in 2008 where he graduated from West Florence High School in 2013. At the age of two years old, Jalen took an interest in basketball and attended several Harlem Globe Trotter Events with his father. Throughout his youth, Jalen was engaged in karate, tap dance. hip hop dance, baseball, basketball and music.
While attending middle school, Jalen became very active in all thing's music. As a self-taught musician he took a chance at trying out for the High School Band and prevailed as a tuba player. This was the beginning for so much more to come. Jalen then began playing the keyboard and drums for several churches locally, which led him to a more diverse musical background. His love for music expanded and afforded him the opportunity to perform with local bands performing all genres of the art.
In 2019 Jalen auditioned for a traveling band and took off to the Midwest as drummer for the Sabin Sharpe Band. This was one of his biggest accomplishments musically
Jalen was special in all ways, from his contagious smile, big hugs, to just a word of encouragement if needed. He loved his families deeply and couldn't wait for the next family event or vacation. His compassion for people from young to old came naturally; if you had Big Mike as a friend. you had a friend indeed. Dedicated, loving, his witty sense of humor was the highlight at home. He and his sister Jelicia would crack jokes from movies scenes to random hilarious outbursts.
Jalen was employed at Wren Creek Estates Senior Living as a Residential Assistant. He was loved by the staff and residents. His work ethic was outstanding, and he took pride in caring for the elderly. He would say
"they love me around here" and would often play the piano for them.
Jalen was the epitome of love, loyalty, courage, and peace.
Those left to cherish his memories are: his mother. Felicia Simms of the home; sister. Jelicia Bess. Raleigh NC: maternal grandmother Janie (Lucille) Fordham. Florence, SC: paternal grandmother Barbara Graham, Florence. SC: aunts. Zelda Fordham, Darlington. SC, Tracie Simms, Atlanta ,GA, Shana Harrell (Dwayne) Florence, SC; uncles Sherman Barno Jr. (Maoula) Powder Springs. GA. Anthony Fordham, Far Rocka-way. NY. William Simms Jr.. Brooklyn, NY. his love Ashlyn Mclver, Florence. SC; a host uncles, aunts. cousins and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Michael W. Barno; maternal grandfather. William Simms Sr.: paternal grandfather, Sherman Barno Sr.: aunt. Angela Fordham: cousin. Davon Simms.
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