Exyrius Zephaniah Hadley-Lockett, known lovingly as Zeery by family and Ex/X by friends, was born on July 15, 1999, in Chicago, Illinois, and entered eternal rest on May 14, 2026, in Saint Louis, Missouri, following a courageous battle with acute pancreatitis.

Exyrius was a proud graduate of Collegiate School of Medicine and Bio Science High School, where he completed his studies in 2017, and he later studied at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. Exyrius was a bright light whose life reflected faith, service, and love in every space he entered. Known for his joyful spirit, warm smile, and servant’s heart, he uplifted others through his leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his church. He helped in mentoring the next generation through The Mind of Christ Church, Collegiate 100, and 100 Black Men. Whether through his leadership, his creativity in photography, or his friendly spirit as a bartender and mixologist at Crown Hall, he made people feel valued, encouraged, and deeply cared for.

Though his earthly journey ended far too soon, his life stands as a reminder that a person does not need a long life to leave a mighty legacy.

Exyrius was the beloved son of Patrice Hadley and Kenneth Walton of Saint Louis, Missouri, and Henry Lockett, Jr. (Claire) of Jacksonville, Florida, and he was cherished by his sister, Angel Carson-Lockett, and his brother, Tracey Longley. He was also held close in the hearts of his grandfathers, Henry Lockett, Sr. and Michael Hadley, as well as his great-grandmothers, Earlean Hadley and Jean Lucille Shumpert. His life was enriched by a loving circle of aunts, including Dawn Walton, Stacy Walton, Tracy Walton, Denita Hadley, and Janelle Hadley, along with his godmother, Cynthia Long, god brothers, Stacy and Marcus Long, and his treasured cat, Peanut.

He was also blessed with a close-knit and loving family of cousins, including his first cousins, Rachael, Kymberly, Kerin, Allen, Miori, Sunai, Jaden, Zion, Preston, Analeigha, Myani, Melody, and Zaire, along with his tight-knit cousins, Kalya, Paige, Nautica, Jereke, Anthony, Toikeiera, Jamari, and Damien. Exyrius also shared treasured bonds and unforgettable memories with his close friends, Jeremiah, Najah, Damarcus, Steve, Mike P., Logan, Jordyn, Jordan, Emya, Greg, Darrell, Sidney, Tyson, and Lily, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He was also surrounded by many dear aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, and a host of family and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Exyrius is preceded in death by his great-uncle, James Shumpert, Jr., grandfather, Clarence Longley, Sr., godfather, Gerald Long, grandmother, Dorothy Longley, great-grandmother, Esther Lockett, great-grandfather, James Shumpert, Sr., grandmother, Sandra Hadley, uncle, Matthew Lockett, and grandmother, Chiquetta Hunter.