Brandon Hezekiah Crawford – 8/27/2002 – 7/7/2024

On August 27, 2002 the world welcomed a force that it was definitely not prepared for – the amazing young man that has inspired us, challenged us, encouraged us, and loved us like no other, Brandon.

Born to his biological mom, Chris, he was medically fragile from day 1 due to a genetic condition – Coffin-Lowry Syndrome. His early life consisted of many surgeries to attempt to correct his physical issues.

When he was 6 years old, Brandon and his older sister Twyla were placed into foster care with Brandon's now parents, James and Rhonda. He was very small and fragile – fitting in 18 month clothing - and non-verbal (BOY DID THAT CHANGE).

Brandon would grow with his new family as they grew – he would be the 2nd oldest boy – Jayce being just a little over a year older. Shylo would be adopted shortly after Brandon's placement. A short while later, Samuel would be born, bringing the family to 4 boys. Two years later Isaac would be born. Brandon LOVED helping with the babies – a theme that would carry throughout his life, from feeding them to helping ensure they weren't forgotten in the car on the way into church (true story – ACTUALLY HAPPENED), to making sure every supply you needed at any time was not forgotten and no step for their care was skipped.

As Brandon grew, he settled into being a very friendly and outgoing young man. In February of 2015 life would forever change for Brandon, his family, and all those who would come to know him. He was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that had progressed so that statistically he had 1-3 months from his diagnosis to what should be a sudden death event.

In the hospital room, hearing the chaplain of Randall Children's pray with such finality over my son – I could not accept what was going on… I was reminded of the story of King Hezekiah and when the chaplain was done saying his prayers with us, I laid my hands on my son's chest and prayed the best prayer of faith I could muster in that moment… the presence of God showed up and gave us peace and hope.

The next few years consisted of oxygen treatments, medications, doctors check ups and lots of ups and downs medically. As his condition progressed, Brandon had to be placed on Hospice in 2018 – where we met some of the most amazing people and received the highest level of support we didn't even realize we needed.

Brandon struggled to adjust to his new limitations and it was during this stage of his life that the creature affectionately known as 'Brandon-zilla' was born. He also had a new adjustment in his life -caregivers would now be a part of his everyday life. Through the years, he would have several caregivers that he would get to sometimes endear and sometimes torture with his unending barrage of requests. With the suave and cool of a politician, he had everyone convinced they were the most amazing person in the world to him.

One constant in his life was his desire to be at church. He loved attending when he was able, and when he was not, he would watch livestreams of our services over and over. He loved seeing his PASTOR, he would look for me on the services, and anyone he knew as they came to the altar, screaming their name as if they could hear him. Many times, he fell asleep to our song services playing to him.

When he did make it to church – typically the evening services – it was not uncommon to hear him yelling at MIKE (Carr) wanting to sit next to him, or to holler at PATTY asking for a new key for his key ring.

He loved being a character and interacting with people, making them laugh and helping them know that he cared deeply about them – even without saying many words. To him, everyone was a celebrity, and he assumed the role of paparazzi.

So many caregivers have poured their lives into our boy, and we could not be more grateful… from Gaggin, Neanna, His Monkey Me(Renee B), Rosie, Rachel, KayKay, Amy, Desteny, Veronica, NIKKI, Zephen, and Butter! (Cammy). His DSP Team who has given him and his family so many awesome memories – Trina, Adam and the whole team. His church family has been insurmountable in prayer and entreating heaven for his health – one of the key components that's kept him around so long.

His family was so important to him – he loved getting everyone in trouble for whatever he could, just to be ornery. He had a built in 'stuff' radar that would make any mom jealous – no matter what was lost, how long ago it was lost, or where Brandon was when it was lost – it seems he could tell you right where it was – and he was right more than 90% of the time.

He was always aware of others – choosing to enjoy whatever the people around him enjoyed – whether it was puzzles with his caregivers, crocheting with his mom, or finding videos on his phone of whatever you were interested in – whether it was music videos of your favorite song, cooking, or auto-repair, or anything else. He was a great host who insisted on ensuring everyone met everyone – shook hands – and exchanged names and was adamant about learning the names of everyone around.

His favorite pastime, by far, though was being in charge. He loved getting others to cook meals for him, then he would switch his mind at the last minute about what he wanted. Or assign a caregiver a task, only to abort that task, assign two different ones, then complain about not having the first one done yet LOL.

He lived in such pain – in the end having maxed out the fentanyl patches, oxycodone, and heart meds he was on, and yet most of the time you'd never know. He was a very challenging kiddo – the type that was ornery with a mischievous grin one minute, and then caring, compassionate and loving the next.

In Brandon fashion, he passed at a time completely unexpected, and clutching his Bible. He left his mark on everyone who knew him – and isn't that what God's called us to do? To love others the way that He has loved us and leave the people of the world better for having known us.

He is survived by his parents James and Rhonda, siblings Twyla, Jayce, Deanna, Shylo, Samuel, Helki, and Isaac, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and far too many important people to list completely. A community is in mourning at the loss of such a bright light.