Legendary singer Eddie LeVert, known for his iconic contributions to R&B music as a member of The O’Jays, is facing yet another heartbreaking loss in his family. His youngest daughter, Ryan LeVert, has reportedly passed away at the age of 22 after a battle with lupus. The news, which spread rapidly on social media, was confirmed by Carlysia LeVert, the daughter of the late Gerald LeVert, Eddie’s son.
Carlysia shared her grief on Instagram, posting photos of Ryan and expressing her sorrow. She wrote, “Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. Please send extra love up for my papa and nana.” Carlysia also reposted information from The RNB Talk Show, which indicated that Ryan had succumbed to her health struggles. Ryan was an engaging presence on the podcast “The Levert Opinion,” where she appeared alongside her father and her nephew, LeMicah.
Industry insider Donnie Simpson expressed his condolences, saying, “I was heartbroken to learn that Eddie Levert’s 22-year-old daughter, Ryan, passed from lupus this weekend. Every parent’s greatest fear is the loss of a child, and this is the third time Eddie has had to deal with this unimaginable pain.” He offered words of comfort, acknowledging Eddie’s strong faith and hoping that it would bring him and his family solace during this difficult time.
A Legacy of Loss
Eddie LeVert has endured immense tragedy throughout his life. In addition to Ryan’s passing, he previously lost his son Gerald in 2006 at the age of 40 and another son, Sean, in 2008 at the age of 39. The family has also mourned the death of Martha LeVert, Gerald and Sean’s mother, who died in 2020. Carlysia shared her own sentiments regarding Martha’s passing, stating, “Heaven gained another Angel this morning… Granny, I love you. I will miss you. I thank God I got to talk to you a week ago… and I thank him for all of our memories that I will forever cherish.”
Martha and Eddie were married in 1966 and had three children together: sons Gerald and Sean, and daughter Kandice. Martha was described in Eddie’s book, “I Got Your Back,” as a petite yet resilient woman, embodying strength and grace. Although Eddie and Martha divorced, he later remarried Raquel Capelton.
Coping with Ongoing Grief
In light of these losses, Eddie has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of such tragedies. He once reflected on his feelings of confusion and sorrow, saying, “I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don’t… I still wonder: Was it something I did?” Following Gerald’s death, Eddie threw himself into his work, striving to keep his spirits up through his music. However, Sean’s death prompted a necessary pause for reflection.
Eddie credits his wife with providing the support he needed during those tough times. “Her stability helped me get through all of that. She’s been a rock for me, a real live crutch I can lean on,” he shared. He approaches life with a positive outlook, recognizing that while he has suffered tremendous losses, he is still left with cherished memories and loved ones.
Stevie Wonder praised Eddie’s resilience, stating, “His tenacity is really important. He has made a choice, through all of everything, to live and do the very best that he can do. You can wallow in your pain, or you can celebrate the blessings that you’ve received. He’s one who chooses to do the latter.”
Eddie LeVert’s journey through grief reminds us of the profound strength required to navigate loss, and his story continues to resonate with many as he honors the memories of his beloved family members. Ryan’s passing adds to the legacy of love and remembrance that Eddie carries with him, as he continues to find purpose and meaning in his life and music.
Conclusion
As Eddie LeVert mourns the loss of his daughter Ryan, the outpouring of support from fans, friends, and family highlights the impact of his life and music. In these tough times, the strength of community and faith can provide the comfort and healing needed to face such unimaginable sorrow. The LeVert family’s story is one of resilience, love, and the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of profound loss.
