Jestin Rakim Reid was born on August 17, 1991 in Memphis, TN to the late James “Junebug” Russell Reid, Jr. and Ms. Regina Ann Ross. Jestin was an active and happy kid. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age and became a member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from East High School in Memphis, TN in 2009 and entered the workforce shortly after. A hard worker, he earned his license as a certified forklift driver and worked for companies such as FedEx, Williams Sonoma and others. 

Jestin welcomed his first child, J’Laysia, into the world in 2014 and his second child, Jade, a year later in 2015. Jestin loved his kids and wanted to give them the world. Although he separated from his daughter’s mother, he was always active and loving in his kids’ life. In 2018, he met the love of his life, Shawntae Barton, whom he vowed to soon marry. He proposed in November 2018 and she gave birth to his third daughter, J’Niyah, in October of 2019. 

I loved his personality. He was so funny and always made me laugh. There was more to him than what people saw on the outside.

~Shawntae aka “Bae”

Jestin, known to those closest to him as “Grape Watts, was known to be funny and a faithful, devoted friend. It was said that he was a real stand up guy and if he said he loved you, he meant it. His closest friends, Certified, Baby Loc, Bug Grape and Jay Fizzle, knew him to be dependable, respected, and loyal. He will be remembered as a strong and dedicated father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and loving companion. 

He departed this life Saturday, October 30, 2021. He was only 30 years old. Jestin was predeceased by his father, James “Junebug” Russell Reid, Jr. and two brothers, Kevin Reid and Michael Reid.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving mother, Ms. Regina A. Ross; His fiancée, Shawntae Barton; four daughters, J’Laysia Reid, Jade Hines, J’Niyah Reid and Hailey Brown; two brothers, Jay Shields and Jarvis Reid; two sisters, Stephanie Reid and Teshula Reid; a special niece, Jasmine Shields and nephew Jaquarious Weston; the mother of his eldest two children, Fredricca Hines; mother-in-law, Mrs. April Henderson; a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives and friends.