Obituary

Remembering Taman Word

Taman Word, Age 30, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Taman has a true gift with words and was a talented poet whose kindness, generosity and compassion touched everyone who knew him. Taman has an incredibly big heart and a smile that could brighten any room he entered. An intelligent, thoughtful, and fun-loving person, Taman cherished the many friendships he made throughout his life. He loved literature, film, crushing video games, camping and spending time outdoors. Taman also enjoyed thrifting and had a unique sense of style, always taking pride in being himself. Taman was a natural listener and a true giver, always making time for family and friends, offering wisdom, encouragement, and heartfelt advice. Above all, he treasured the special bond he shared with his daughter. Their Saturday father-daughter dates were among his greatest joys and created memories that will be cherished forever. His loving spirit, infectious smile, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Taman leaves to cherish his memory his devoted fiance, Jennifer Hazel; beautiful daughter, Montaigne Word; mother, Stephanie Word; father, James Word; sisters, Charisse Stewart, Najilah Word; brother, Jalah Word; couther (cousin-brother), Jihad Muhammad; grandparents, Deborah Williams, Faridah Word, Taman Word Sr.; two special nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Saturday, August 1, 2026 at MKD Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday 10-11 am at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/833cb0ad2 established for Montaigne's future care, education and wellbeing. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com  
A time of open remembrance will be held during the service for those who would like to share a memory or a few words about Taman. Please connect with the funeral director before the service begins so all who want to participate can.

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August 01, 2026 7:09pm

My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to the family of Tamon💖 My prayers are with you all for comfort, healing, peace and strength during this difficult time of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace 💜💜💜💜💜couldnt 54

— Julie Harmon

August 01, 2026 7:09pm

My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to the family of Tamon💖 My prayers are with you all for comfort, healing, peace and strength during this difficult time of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace 💜💜💜💜💜couldnt 54

— Julie Harmon

August 01, 2026 6:31pm

This one really hurts. I haven’t spoke to or seen Taman in a very long time, but the impact he had on me still stays true to this day. He was one of my first friends when I transferred to Kentwood. From the first moment I met him, I could tell just how genuine of a person he was. He was always smiling, lighting up every room he walked into, and he had the biggest heart. Taman never hid the care he had for his friends. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, especially his fiance and daughter. I am so sorry for your loss. Taman was truly a special soul.

— Melissa Walters

August 01, 2026 6:31pm

This one really hurts. I haven’t spoke to or seen Taman in a very long time, but the impact he had on me still stays true to this day. He was one of my first friends when I transferred to Kentwood. From the first moment I met him, I could tell just how genuine of a person he was. He was always smiling, lighting up every room he walked into, and he had the biggest heart. Taman never hid the care he had for his friends. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, especially his fiance and daughter. I am so sorry for your loss. Taman was truly a special soul.

— Melissa Walters

July 30, 2026 1:43pm

Taman was friends with our high school students while at at East Kentwood and was frequent to our house to hang out and shared many dinners at our kitchen table with us. Whenever I saw him at the door, I knew we were in for a fun time. His smile and wit were radiant, and he had such a tender heart. Our hearts are broken to learn of his death. It is hard to believe. His daughter, fiancé, and many family members and friends have been held gently in our thoughts this past week.

— Elizabeth Smith

July 30, 2026 9:41am

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family and friends on the loss of Taman. Though I only had the privilege of knowing him for a short time, since he joined our team in April, he was already making a meaningful and positive impact. I am truly grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. It was clear how deeply he loved his family, especially his daughter. When I asked him for a photo of himself for our new hire announcement, he told me that every picture he had was of him with his daughter—and that is exactly the photo we used. That simple moment spoke volumes about the kind of father and person he was. May his light continue to shine through all who knew and loved him, and may God bless you all and bring you comfort during this difficult time.

— Justin Bauer

July 30, 2026 9:17am

Deeply saddened by the news of Taman's passing. I only got to know him for a short time, recently through work, and enjoyed his positive energy, kindness, and his smile. My heart is with all of Taman's loved ones at this heartbreaking time.

— Lauri Manes

July 29, 2026 9:25pm

I had the pleasure of recently getting to know Taman through work. He had a kind spirit and such a great smile. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

— Sarah Ward

July 29, 2026 8:26am

Extending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your son. Taman just started working with us and became such an asset to our team and had such a great spirit and full of laughter, he will be deeply missed. May loving memories of your son help you find peace.

— Debbie Lott

July 28, 2026 9:20pm

Taman was brand new on our team at Foremost Insurance after getting a promotion. We did not have a long time to get to know him, but we were already so fond of him. This has been extremely difficult news for us to process. Thinking of all of his loved ones, and praying and hoping for peace and comfort.

— Lindsay Faba

July 28, 2026 8:24pm

Taman will always be remembered by me and my family. He was at our home many, many years through school and he always was the most polite, most positive, happiest kid in the neighborhood. We will always love you Taman

— Kelly Kruisenga

July 28, 2026 7:40pm

The news of Taman’s passing really breaks my heart. It’s almost unbelievable. I feel so blessed to have crossed paths with him in middle school and then continued a friendship with him throughout our high school years. Hard to believe how long ago that was. We didn’t keep in touch past graduation but would speak very briefly here and there on social media. To this day he was one of the nicest people I have ever met and it saddens me he was taken so soon. My thoughts are with his family, fiancé Jennifer and his daughter, that I could tell that he loved very much. Sending you all strength and love.

— Arianna Zimmerman

July 28, 2026 6:43pm

Taman was well known at East Kentwood for his big personality and great friendships. He always had a smile on his face and it was contagious to all around him. It’s hard to believe he’s gone. Hopefully his joy, laughter, and smile will be carried on by his daughter. I didn’t keep up with him much after high school, but I bet he made an amazing dad.

— Janet Kaylor (DeMeester)

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Honor Taman with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.