Jamal Brandon

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a young Davidson resident, 18-year-old Jamal Brandon, who died last weekend.

A balloon release and vigil in his memory are planned tonight (Friday, Aug. 6) at Ada Jenkins Center. A funeral is planned Saturday for the North Meck High athlete and church usher. Also, grief counseling sessions have been organized at two area sites.

Tonight’s balloon release and vigil will begin at 7 p.m. at Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St., which is just a block from the family home.

Mr. Brandon died suddenly Sunday afternoon, Aug. 1, at home on Crane Street, where he lived with parents Robert and Cathy Brandon.

He was well-known in Davidson and was a popular athlete at North Mecklenburg High School, where he participated football and swimming. At the time of his death, he was taking classes at Central Piedmont Community College. He also was a youth usher at Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church, in Cornelius.

The church held a grief counseling session Thursday night, Aug. 5, for friends and family. A similar session is planned Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Ada Jenkins Center. Center officials said the session is for anyone in the community.

Jamal Brandon’s funeral is Saturday, Aug. 7, at 1 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Davidson. Details below.

Friends and neighbors are organizing a donation drive to help Mr. Brandon’s family. Contributions in his memory may be sent to Robert and Cathy Brandon, PO Box 621, Davidson, NC. 28036.

OBITUARY: Ryan Jamal Brandon

Here’s the obituary from W.H. Bryant/A.E. Grier & Sons Funeral Service.

Ryan Jamal Brandon was called from mortality to immortality and heard the voice of Jesus saying: “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Jamal knew from childhood the scripture, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

At an early age, Jamal was baptized and was a member of Torrence Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church n Cornelius. He served as a youth usher until his passing. Jamal was a very loving, thoughtful and caring young man. Along life’s journey, he made many, many friends.

Jamal was a loving and humble young man. He attended Davidson IB Middle School, Bradley Middle School, and North Mecklenburg High School. He was currently attending Central Piedmont Community College. He received his red belt in karate, which was his passion. He received awards from the swim team and enjoyed playing football in high school. He left an impression on many of his friends’ hearts, which will never fade away.

Survivors include his parents, Robert and Cathy Brandon of Crane Street; three brothers, Costa (and wife Taja) White of Charlotte, Robert (and wife Nikki) Brandon of Cornelius, and Deconte Brandon of Charlotte; and a sister, Yaschica Mills (and husband John) of Huntersville. Also, his grandparents Curtis and Alice Brandon of Davidson; five aunts, Susan (and husband the Rev. Reginald) Massey of Charlotte, Mary (and husband Johnny) Dubose, Elnora (and Owens) Sturdivant, Martha (and husband Larry) Houston, and Sophia (and husband Wayne) Barringer; four uncles, Curtis (and wife Karla) Brandon Jr., Matthew Barringer Jr., James (and wife Rev. Dora) Barringer; and John Barringer Sr.; as well as nieces Chacosha, Azhai, Maleah, Ny’Asia and nephew Amari. He also is survive by a host of cousins, relatives and friends from the surrounding community.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matthew and Mary Ann Barringer.

Funeral is Saturday, Aug. 7, at Gethsemane Baptist Church, Jetton Street, with visitation at 12:30 p.m. and funeral at 1 p.m.

WH Bryant/AE Grier & Sons Funeral Service is handling arrangements.