Ashley “A.J.” Jewell was laid to rest Friday, October 9th. Family and friends of Jewell mourned his passing and celebrated the life of the young man who’s life ended suddenly after a brawl at the strip club he co-owned.  Along with AJ’s children and former spouses, his former fiance Kandi Burruss was there supported by all of her fellow castmates.

Regardless of all the speculation surrounding his death, AJ was still a living, breathing human being who touched a lot of lives in Atlanta. Publicist April Love even wrote an ode to AJ over at FreddyO’s spot where she reminds us to keep media in perspective:

When you are reading about these people, keep in mind; this is someone’s sister, someone’s brother, someone’s son, someone’s father. And, you are only seeing a miniscule fraction of their REAL lives. Reality television producers shoot hours and hours of footage but, edit them down to forty minutes of the most “entertaining” aspects of their subject’s lives. AJ’s father Ashley Jewell Sr., who happens to be a Pastor, spoke of a son who knew God, a son he prayed for and with, a son who he anointed with oil. He said his son was special and people who took the time to get to know him picked that up about him. And, his children will be continually be reminded of his short but meaningful legacy. It is unfortunate that he wasn’t able to find that marriage he was searching for with either of his ex-wives or with Kandi Burruss but, it’s evident that he left an indelible mark on each of their hearts.

Though it was for a very short time, I am very happy I was able to meet this guy with the unforgettable smile, Rest in Peace AJ!

And I agree. Never judge someone merely on the media’s portrayal of that person. Reality shows are edited in ways that are meant to entertain. The same goes for blogs and gossip. It’s all entertainment…that is, until someone makes up lies about you.

Photos below:

Dwight Eubanks pays his respects…

Monica and Tiny

Lisa Wu-Hartwell & NeNe Leakes

Kim Zolciak & Kandi Burruss’ Daughter, Riley

Rasheeda (right) & Guest

Sheree Whitfield

Jazze Pha & Guest

R.I.P. Ashley “AJ” Jewell

October 25, 1974 – October 2, 2009

Photos by FreddyO. Click here for more.