Kevyn Xzavier Lee-Wellington of Long Beach, CA, Beloved Owner of Fluffy’s Sno-Balls and Tuskegee University Alumnus, Tragically Passes Away on September 30th, 2024: A Legacy of Warmth, Community Devotion, and New Orleans Culinary Tradition Honored After the Unexpected Death of Entrepreneur and New Orleans Native Forced to Relocate After Hurricane Katrina
Kevyn Xzavier Lee-Wellington, a beloved entrepreneur, community leader, and alumnus of Tuskegee University, tragically passed away on September 30th, 2024, in Long Beach, California. He was the originator and owner of Fluffy’s Sno-Balls, a business that brought the authentic taste of New Orleans’ Sno-Balls to the West Coast, a treat that reflects the heart and soul of his hometown. His death has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, customers, and the community at large, both in California and Louisiana. Kevyn’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community, values that shaped his personal and professional journey.
Born on October 7, 1979, Kevyn grew up in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. His childhood was shaped by the music, culture, and culinary traditions of the French Quarter. From a young age, Kevyn showed a deep appreciation for his roots, particularly the Sno-Ball, a simple yet iconic frozen treat that became central to his entrepreneurial success. This shaved ice delicacy, often flavored with rich syrups, is synonymous with the warm summers of New Orleans and is a cherished tradition among locals. Little did Kevyn know that this small piece of his heritage would inspire a dream that would eventually span across two cities.
Kevyn’s academic journey led him to Tuskegee University, a historically Black university in Alabama that has produced countless leaders across diverse industries. At Tuskegee, Kevyn developed not only his professional skills but also a deep sense of responsibility to uplift others. His time there was instrumental in shaping the man he would become—someone who valued community, perseverance, and service. Kevyn graduated with honors, ready to face the world and make a difference. After completing his studies, he returned to his beloved New Orleans, eager to contribute to the city that had given him so much.
However, in 2005, the course of Kevyn’s life—and the lives of countless others—was dramatically altered by Hurricane Katrina. The devastation of the storm forced Kevyn and his family to relocate to Los Angeles, California, where he would spend the next 15 years of his life. Although his heart remained in New Orleans, the tragedy of Katrina became the catalyst for his next chapter, sparking the idea that would eventually lead to the creation of Fluffy’s Sno-Balls. Despite the loss and displacement, Kevyn’s spirit remained unbroken. He saw his move to Los Angeles not as an end, but as an opportunity to introduce a piece of his culture to a new audience.
Kevyn was struck by the fact that, despite the melting pot of culinary delights in Los Angeles, there were no authentic New Orleans Sno-Ball shops in the city. He missed the flavors of home, the icy sweetness of Sno-Balls that marked the summers of his youth. The absence of this beloved treat sparked a dream that would take 16 years to come to fruition. Over the years, Kevyn honed his business plan, determined to share the joy and comfort of New Orleans Sno-Balls with the people of Los Angeles. His vision was more than just a business; it was a way to honor his roots and bring a piece of New Orleans to a community thousands of miles away.
In 2021, amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kevyn and his brother Darren Lee-Wellington launched Fluffy’s Sno-Balls in Los Angeles. The timing of the opening was a challenge, as many businesses were closing their doors due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Yet Kevyn’s resilience and determination carried him through. He poured his heart into the business, ensuring that each Sno-Ball served was a reflection of the authentic New Orleans experience. From the finely shaved ice to the carefully crafted syrups, Fluffy’s Sno-Balls quickly became a favorite among locals, tourists, and transplants alike. The business grew rapidly, and Kevyn’s passion for quality and authenticity garnered widespread acclaim.
Fluffy’s Sno-Balls was not just a business; it was a labor of love that connected Kevyn to his roots while allowing him to build a new community in Los Angeles. The shop became a gathering place for people from all walks of life, united by their love for the unique, refreshing treat that Kevyn had perfected. The business’s success was a testament to Kevyn’s vision, and in just a few short years, Yelp ranked Fluffy’s Sno-Balls as the finest ice cream shop in California and the fifth best in the United States. This recognition was not only a personal victory for Kevyn but a celebration of his heritage and the cultural significance of the New Orleans Sno-Ball.
Throughout his journey, Kevyn remained grounded in his values of warmth, generosity, and community. His customers were more than just patrons; they were part of an extended family that Kevyn had created through his business. He greeted each person with a smile, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. His ability to connect with people and create a sense of belonging was one of the many qualities that made him so beloved. Friends and customers alike recall how Kevyn would take the time to get to know each person who walked through the doors of Fluffy’s Sno-Balls, often striking up conversations about their favorite flavors or memories of New Orleans.
Beyond his role as a business owner, Kevyn was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He frequently partnered with local organizations and charities, using his platform to support causes close to his heart. Whether it was hosting events for underprivileged children or providing free Sno-Balls to frontline workers during the pandemic, Kevyn’s generosity knew no bounds. His dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others extended far beyond the walls of his shop.
Kevyn’s passing has left a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew him. The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of grief and love from family, friends, and customers who admired not only his entrepreneurial spirit but his kindness and compassion. Social media has been flooded with tributes to Kevyn, with many sharing stories of his generosity and the joy he brought to their lives through his work. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched, both in New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Kevyn’s family, including his brother Darren, is devastated by his sudden loss. Darren, who played an instrumental role in the creation and success of Fluffy’s Sno-Balls, shared a close bond with Kevyn that went beyond their business partnership. The two brothers were united by their shared dream of bringing the authentic Sno-Ball experience to Los Angeles, and they worked side by side to make that dream a reality. Darren has expressed his determination to carry on Kevyn’s legacy, ensuring that Fluffy’s Sno-Balls continues to thrive and serve as a tribute to his brother’s vision.
In addition to his brother, Kevyn is survived by his parents, siblings, and a large extended family who will forever cherish his memory. They remember him as a loving son, brother, and uncle who always put the needs of others before his own. Kevyn’s family has found solace in the countless stories shared by those who knew him, each one a testament to the profound impact he had on the lives of others.
As the community continues to mourn Kevyn’s passing, plans are being made to honor his memory in a way that reflects the values he held dear. A memorial service is being organized, and there are discussions of creating a scholarship fund in Kevyn’s name to support aspiring entrepreneurs and students from underserved communities. This initiative would be a fitting tribute to a man who believed in the power of giving back and who dedicated his life to helping others succeed.
Kevyn Xzavier Lee-Wellington’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. He will be remembered as a man who brought the heart and soul of New Orleans to Los Angeles, creating a bridge between two cities through a simple but beloved treat. His passing is a tremendous loss, but his impact will be felt for generations to come.
In the wake of his death, Kevyn’s story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring legacy of a life lived with purpose and passion. His journey from New Orleans to Los Angeles, marked by both triumphs and challenges, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound difference one person can make in the world.
