Utah - Fall 2025

Beloved musician, gone too soon An empathic, selfless, and loving individual, Justin Brown had a heart of gold. A softie with a goofy, nerdy soul, he was always laughing, writing lyrics and poems, or spending time outside fishing, hunting, and hiking. Strumming and humming came naturally to him—he had a natural aptitude for music and could play a song on the bass guitar by ear. One of nine siblings, Justin stood out for his sensitivity, openness, and gratitude, with impeccable manners and sweetness to spare.[...]

A short life, eternal impact! After Derek’s passing, his father, Russ, received a message on Facebook from a man Derek had met while incarcerated. The man, Jesse, shared how Derek had profoundly changed his life. One day, Jesse noticed Derek reading a book and asked him about it. Derek gave him the book, and from then on, they met weekly to discuss what they were reading. Jesse said that Derek’s philosophy and faith became his guide. After his release, Jesse practiced the values that Derek had instilled—he got married, started a business, and has been sober ever since.[...]

Hooked on an eight second ride! Chris was one of thirteen children in a complex family. Nine girls and four boys comprised his five stepsisters, one stepbrother, three half siblings, and one full sibling, Chandra. Of all his brothers and sisters, he was closest to Chandra and often sweetly acknowledged, “I love you sissy. You are one of my very best friends.” She and Chris, along with his good friend Mac, ran the streets together when they were young. Mac and Chris were inseparable from the start and remained best friends for thirty years.[...]

Loving, adventurous, funny, smart, and amazing. Known for his humor, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family and friends, Traicyn was truly the life of the party—a funny, loving man, and an amazing father, brother, son, and grandson. From a young age, Traicyn shared a special bond with his sister, LeiJai. They created their own special hug, where Traicyn would leap into her arms, provide a hug, then be flipped upside down and backward, landing with a laugh. Unlike many siblings who don’t want their younger siblings around, they went everywhere together, shared the same friends, and stood by each other through everything. This closeness remained through adulthood. LeiJai was the first to know when Traicyn’s former wife was pregnant and was in the room when their first baby boy was born.[...]

Passionate, fun-loving, compassionate, fearless and fearful Sharol, called Sharon by everyone she met, shared a special bond with her niece, Dana. Only ten years apart in age, the two were more than just family: “Sharon was an aunt, a best friend, and mother-figure,” Dana said. The two were inseparable. Together, they camped, went stargazing, and wandered through antique stores. They were each other’s Secret Santa and celebrated every birthday together. When Dana moved away from the family in Alabama to Utah in 1989, the two spent every Sunday morning in an AOL chat.[...]

Charismatic, resourceful, creative, witty, handsome Virgil thrived in social settings. His magnetism and accepting nature drew in new friends instantaneously, and he transformed the most mundane circumstances into something extraordinary.[...]

Proof that love conquers all Kim, also known as “Da Queen,” was a larger-than-life force of positivity, love, and artistry. Ever the charismatic soul, her influence and impact endure in her absence. So many people owe their successes, and recovery tools to Kim’s selflessness, and her adopted daughter Kezia, her claimed children Drew, Tyree, and Jeremiah all have brighter futures because of her love. Her brothers Mike and TJ, and sisters Shelly and Amy, speak of her fun, free spirit, her desire to help others, and her bold personality.[...]

Fun, adventurous, memorable, loving, a struggle James Gerald Johnson, known as Jimmy, was a man full of life. He found immense joy in the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, hunting, hiking, and swimming. Adventurous and always ready for a laugh, Jimmy had a natural curiosity and a determined spirit. He could master nearly anything he set his mind to–whether it was creating art, reeling in the perfect catch, or mechanical work.[...]

Infectious laughter, a bright light that addiction stole from us, gone too soon. Sharon lit up every room she entered. She was a vibrant force in life—funny, bubbly, and unforgettable. Sharon’s niece, Shelly, remembers Sharon’s “radiant red hair, bright red lipstick, big, bold black eyelashes, and silly sense of humor.”[...]

Everyone’s intelligent, loving, artistic friend Tony Maza, the intelligent and meticulous crystal-wrapping craftsman, was funny and kind beyond measure. With hugs and laughs to spare, he befriended people everywhere he went. Never a fan of “small talk,” he became an endless seeker and fountain of facts which he then bestowed upon anyone within earshot. Music was another passion, especially rock tunes, and he always donned headphones to keep it close by. Potent, powerful depth in lyrics and learning spoke to Tony’s passion for life and knowledge.[...]

Happy, laughter-filled, family-centered, loving, resilient A “people person” Amber, aka “Amo,” lived a life dedicated to spreading joy and making those around her smile, laugh, and feel valued. With a contagious laugh that could be heard above a crowd and an infectious smile, Amber’s goal was to be happy and to brighten the days of everyone she encountered. She valued family over everything, and relished spending time with the people she loved. Amber’s nephews, Jayden, and Kayzen held a special place in her heart, and she loved them as her own. [...]

Loving, charismatic, helpful, nature-loving, handsome Kenny had three doting older sisters, Barb, Toni, and Wendy. He knew how to tease them, but being a military family, their frequent moves meant they were each other’s only friends, so they played well together, too. When Kenny lost Toni to ALS, it devastated him. His older sister Barbara had him wrapped around her finger when he was little, while Wendy and Kenny were an adventurous pair. When living in Ohio, they explored the nearby trails and slid in ditches, not caring if their shorts ripped. Kenny was there for Wendy as they got older. When she struggled in her marriage, he’d support her, fixing things around the house and babysitting his nieces. He even taught them how to use makeup, a skill he’d picked up from his sisters. [...]

Generous, kind, loving, beautiful, troubled CT was a gentle soul with deep emotions. Despite his struggles, he was always quick to laugh and flash a heart-melting smile. His empathy and friendliness gained him many friends throughout his life. He also had an uncanny knack for connecting with animals, especially cats, and seemed able to tame any stray within a matter of days. [...]

An energetic, funny guy who fishes. Mischievous, never settled, and on the move described Lee from his birth. When he was four, he started the routine practice of jumping from the top of the staircase to the bottom without touching a stair. If there was a banister, he was on it. Even breaking his femur and being in a body cast didn’t stop him. Not one to sit in a wheelchair, he learned how to walk with the cast.[...]