In Loving Memory of Excenia Mette: Harlem Mourns the Loss of a Cherished Grandmother and Community Hero
The sidewalk along 113th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem, usually buzzing with life and community chatter, has now become a solemn tribute lined with candles, flowers, and heavy hearts. It is here that 61-year-old Excenia Mette, a beloved grandmother and a pillar of her community, tragically lost her life on a Tuesday night—an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of senseless violence.
A Life of Love, Service, and Sacrifice
Excenia Mette was more than a resident of Harlem—she was a guardian angel to many in her neighborhood. Known for her home-cooked meals and generous spirit, Mette took pride in looking after the youth on her block. Whether through sharing a warm plate of food or offering advice with grace and wisdom, she was a constant source of comfort and guidance. To those who knew her, she wasn’t just a neighbor—she was family.
“She treated everyone like family,” said one resident, tears welling in her eyes as she lit a vigil candle. “She gave from her heart, and she did it quietly, humbly, like a true mother of the community.”
The Tragic Night
On the night of April 22, 2025, at approximately 10:20 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire on 113th Street and Lenox Avenue. According to authorities and family members, Excenia heard an argument erupting on the street and, true to her nurturing nature, stepped outside to make sure her grandson was safe.
Her grandson, Jerraine Jordan, was not involved in the dispute and had been upstairs in their apartment while his grandmother prepared dinner for him. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, Excenia Mette walked straight into the chaos and was fatally shot in the head. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically did not survive.
“She would’ve gone outside for anyone, not just me,” Jerraine said. “That’s the kind of woman she was—she would never just stand by.”
A Community in Mourning
Not even 24 hours after her death, mourners gathered at the site where Mette fell, holding a vigil in her honor. The street was aglow with candles, prayer circles, and whispered stories of a woman who gave her all to those around her.
Stephanie McGraw, founder and CEO of We All Really Matter, spoke through emotion: “This was a grandmother who lost her life—innocent. She was a woman who didn’t just stand by when something was wrong. She spoke up. She stepped in. She lived and died a community leader.”
Seeking Justice, Preserving Legacy
As police continue to investigate the shooting, the community is left reeling—and rallying. Calls for peace, accountability, and stronger community protection have grown louder. Excenia Mette’s death has struck a chord, not only because of the violence but because of who she was: a protector, a nurturer, and a voice for those often unheard.
Residents vow to honor her memory not only by keeping her story alive but by continuing the work she did every day—looking out for each other.
Final Thoughts
The candlelight, flowers, and sobs that now occupy the sidewalk where Excenia Mette once walked are a testament to a life that mattered deeply. Her absence is a gaping hole in the hearts of many, but her love, courage, and legacy of service will remain a guiding light.
As one neighbor quietly said through her tears at the vigil, “She didn’t just live here—she lifted us.”
May Excenia Mette rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all