Mr. Avalon Anthony Kitson "Tony" was born to Theodore Kitson and Selvena Brown on October 03, 1966, in Kingston, Jamaica.  Tony was the second child of five siblings.  He arrived in the home with the aid of a midwife.  A defier of odds, Tony overcame many adversities in his life. Born prematurely, he was so excited to make a splash in the world that he refused to be delivered in a hospital.  Then at the age of four, he relocated to Baltimore Maryland with his family.

Tony was athletic in high school and ran on the track and field team.  He also loved reading and playing chess.  Adjusting to a new environment was not an easy transition, but he eventually prevailed.  After transferring from Northern High School, Tony graduated from Northwestern High School in 1984.  He later enlisted in the Navy to make his mark on the world and over the course of his Navy career, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR).

Once in the Navy, Tony represented his talents in true Kitson fashion. Motivated to be the best, he chiseled his physique and equally, sharpened his mind.  While in the military, he was able to travel the world and serve his country in such places like Italy and Guam as well as other locations including the Iraqi Freedom Theater of Operations. Tony was able to challenge himself and push his boundaries by becoming a Navy diver, a submariner and a shipman. Tony received excellent evaluations and numerous awards for his outstanding leadership and exemplary service record.  His awards included the Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and many other Defense, Joint Service, Navy &Marine Corps Medals. Tony also played Basketball in the intramural sport league and served as a North Charleston football and basketball coach from 1996-1999.

Tony joined in marriage with Cecellia L. Alexander on June 29, 2000. Their union birthed one daughter, Cetonya Kitson and unified two sons and two daughters: Anthony Jamal Kitson, Rashad Avalon Kitson, Mary Valencia Beard and Maria Alexandria Beard.

He later retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) after serving 30 years. In his second stint at life, he worked as a driving instructor and an ADT sales representative.  He loved cooking, spending time with his family, Astrology, and tailgating with his wife at the Baltimore Ravens football games. Tony is the epitome of hard work and discipline.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Kitson Sr; brother, Dean Kitson Sr; uncles: Arnold Kelly, Desmond Brown, Ronald West, Joseph Kitson, Simon Kitson; aunt, Delphina Francis; maternal grandfather, Eric Brown; paternal grandmother, Theresa Thomas; and maternal grandmother, Gloria Brown.

Tony leaves to mourn his wife of 23 years, Cecelia Kitson; sons: Anthony J. Kitson, Rashad A. Kitson; daughters: Maria A. Beard, Mary V. Beard, Cetonya T. Kitson; sisters: Patricia Andoll, Marcia Kitson; brother, Teddy Kitson; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, family, and friends to carry his legacy.  May his soul rest in peace and his legacy forever reign.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Sunday, June 30 from 4-7 PM where a funeral service officiated by Bishop Dr. Joseph Fears will be held on Monday, July 1 beginning at 11 AM. Interment with military honors to follow at Moreland Memorial Park.

Please remember Tony by signing his guestbook.