Randez Brown Obituary

An 11-year-old boy who jumped into water in an attempt to save his 7-year-old sister Thursday night in southwest Charlotte died Friday morning, hospital officials said.

Randez Brown, a fifth-grader at Sedgefield Elementary School, had been rushed by Medic to Carolinas Medical Center with his sister, Shamiya Brown, after the incident near the Southside Homes community off South Tryon Street.

Shamiya Brown, a second-grader at Sedgefield Elementary, remains in intensive care Friday morning.

The siblings were among several children playing near a culvert along Davis Creek. That is near Interstate 77, not far from the football field at Marie G. Davis Military and Leadership Academy and between South Tryon Street and Barringer Drive.

Breanna Caldwell, who knows the victims, said the watery area has been a popular but dangerous draw for decades for children who live in nearby Southside homes. Several children were at the culvert hopping from rock to slippery rock when the boy and girl went under, she said.

"I've been down there," Caldwell said. "The water is sometimes rushing really fast out of the pipe. It's muddy and easy to get stuck, especially if you go too far."

The muddy area varies from ankle deep to more than 6 feet deep, said Charlotte fire Chief Jon Hannan, who said the area often floods after heavy rain.

Caldwell said the girl fell into the water, and her brother then jumped in to save her.

One child was recovered about 8 p.m., by the first team of firefighters to arrive at the scene, the fire chief said. The other child was recovered about 10 p.m. by the Fire Department's dive team.

A spokeswoman for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said Friday that grief counselors are at Sedgefield Elementary to meet with students and staff.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Randez Brown

Not sure what to say?





146 Entries

Love you bro I miss you!!!!

Elijah Barnes

Friend

January 1, 2023

I really MIss you bruh dang wish I could rewind what happen #LLR

Elijah Barnes

Friend

May 2, 2019

Listen Randez I miss you Like crazy I'm sorry man I wish I would've just help you I regret that day for the rest of my life Im sorry man

Elijah Barnes

February 22, 2019

I miss you Randez aint forgot about you
#LLR

Elijah Barnes

Friend

October 19, 2017

randez your birthday was yesterday it would've been awesome if your were there i miss u

Elijah Barnes

March 25, 2015

randez i miss u so much u were like my best friend u will truly be miss randez jamario brown 3/24/02-3/21/14

Elijah Barnes

March 23, 2015

randez we came along way i miss u my friend i remember when u winked at me before u tried to save samiyah i love and miss u hero

Elijah Barnes

March 23, 2015

I miss u randez i should've help u it happen so quick u are a hero

Elijah Barnes

March 23, 2015

Randez was a great person he always loved me

September 24, 2014

It always hurts to hear of a young life being lost but this was truly a hero and will be missed greatly by many, Bless you and your family and may God give you the strength and courageous to go on, be blessed.

April 16, 2014

Samantha Smith

April 15, 2014

Your family will be in our prayers, we have lost four children and know the pain you are going through. We have a community memorial garden in uptown Charlotte where you can adopt a brick in your child's memory and is a place of Life to come and remember your child. We have families from 20 states and two other countries who have engraved bricks in our garden. This is our website WWW.OCMW.ORG If we can help you in any way, please email us.

jerry MUDGE

March 30, 2014

You will always be missed and loved dearly. You did all it could take to rescue your little sister. Now you are in a better place w. No worries, May God bless your family, continue to lift them up, and have the great support that they have. R.I.P hero.

Lakeitha Hunt & The Byers family

March 30, 2014

Kassia Holly

March 30, 2014

Randez you so much like your daddy (Ronald Jefferson ) will give the shirt off his back , my heart is so heavy cause I lost another piece of Ronald and that's so hard for me but, now I know you are finally back with your daddy & you will always be my hero love you so much that smile I will never forget it.you will never be forgotten

March 30, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss,my prayers are with you...r.i.p Ramdez

tulu

March 29, 2014

My heart hurts for your family, my son is his age though we don't know your family, I still am deeply saddened for your loss. May God be always at your side.

Tammy Jackson

March 29, 2014

Beautiful homegoing service. Powerful message. He's a hero!

Pamela Bowman

March 29, 2014

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies I know it hurts it just hurts so bad. Your family and friends have my deepest sympathies you have my pain my tears my prayers and my rage I dont know this family and I dont know why things like this happen I just wish there was something, anything I could do. God bless you all I will never forget the name Randez Brown.

ryan bell

March 29, 2014

Our hearts are heavy with grief in the loss Randez.
May God Bless the family.

Mae Wimbush

March 29, 2014

Prayers going up for the family and friends of the Miller's/Brown's/Black's...
Today is too hard for me...I will forever pray for you all.

Debra Moore

March 29, 2014

Gone to soon! Wishing ur family peace and ur sister a speedy recovery.

Beverly Dulin Massey

March 29, 2014

Randez you will be deeply missed!!! You will always be our Southside hero!!!! To GOD be the Glory!!!!!!

Demeatras Killian

March 29, 2014

Just like Jesus he gave that his little sister could live. No Greater Love than this that a man would lay down his life.Family may you find Sweet Peace in the days ahead you are in our Prayers.

Marilyn Withers and family

March 29, 2014

May you Rest in Peace little Angel

D O'Leary

March 28, 2014

I am truly saddened to know that Randez is gone, I noticed him because of his smile and kind presence. He gave his life trying to save his sister and for that the word says he will be honored. God will love him now and forever. "RIP baby boy"

Vanessa Polk

March 28, 2014

You were truly a good fella and we will miss you. R.I.P.
Jackie McCullough & Tom Sykes Rec Center

March 28, 2014

My your family have Peace and Serenity in your time of bereavement, your Family is in our Prayers, May God Bless and be with each and everyone of you.From my Family to your Family! God Is In Control!!

Etta Rainer and Hudson Family

March 28, 2014

Offering my sincere sympathies to the family of Randez. As a previous "Team Mom" for the Charlotte Warriors, I have fond memories of him. Randez was always respectful and displayed a smile that could warm anyone's heart. He will truly be missed.

Tasha Sharpe

March 28, 2014

When I heard of Randez had died trying to save his sister my heart broke. Such a loving and unselfish act. May you find comfort from the memories you hold dear to your heart of this wonderful little boy. May you find comfort from Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, A help in times of distress."

Teresa

March 28, 2014

So sorry this has happen. Praying for your family. I miss you all dearly.

Calandra Cruel

March 28, 2014

The true definition of the word HERO, you will be greatly missed, and I know even though you're not here, your siblings have a great guardian angel watching over them.

Kimberly Woods

March 28, 2014

Prayers for the entire family.

Andrea B.

March 28, 2014

Nothing but Luv and Sorrow for this young man's family!who lost his life in order to save his sister life not thinking of self just doing what God put him here to do to Help Protect and Serve his family. I luv you Randez and dont even know you! they say it takes a village just think of me as one of the Mother in the village! RIP my sweet child RIP

Rhonda Beatty

March 28, 2014

So sorry for this family's loss. Such a brave young man. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. May God bless you all. RIP little angel!!!

Fredda Culp

March 28, 2014

earth has no sorrow that haven cant heal young man if you could be defined as anything you have been defined as a hero because of what you did and how you did and because that your family celebrates the awsome short life you lived but ...to the family keep leaning on JESUS for he know what it is that you dont know and he's a comforter when no one else is im sorry for your lost and pray GOD'S grace and mercy will wrap its self around you and hold you tight and ensure you that everything is alright

March 28, 2014

Sorry for your lost he's a hero

Laverne Gillcrest

March 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you Stephanie and Ms. Dolly. God bless your entire family during this time. Rest peacefully Randez.

Vontina McGrant

March 28, 2014

Our prayers are with you. May your precious memories of Randez bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Jones Family Romans 15:33

March 28, 2014

May God bless you all during this time. Weeping may endure but there is comfort in knowing the sacrafice that Randez made for his sister.

March 28, 2014

My prayers are with your family during this difficult time i pray that they all find comfort in knowing you are with God. You are truly a hero.

Attiyah Jackson

March 28, 2014

Rest In Paradise Randez. I didn't know you personally, but I know I can call you a HERO!! Keep smiling in Heaven!!

Shaletha Digsby

March 28, 2014

Rest in Paradise.

Karen A. Robinson

March 28, 2014

RIP Sweet Angel

Lakia Gee

March 28, 2014

it might be to late but rip you were a bro to me i knew u since 3rd grade R.I.P

March 27, 2014

My heart goes out to Stephanie and the family. She is all about her lovely children. My prayers ate with you and your family at this difficult time

Kimberly Hoyle

March 26, 2014

My heart,and prayers go out to my family.I never got to meet Randez or Samiyah.I've never met the other brothers.Goodbye Randez,you'll always be in my heart!!! Your great-great Uncle!!

Sam Black

March 25, 2014

There is no greater pain, than the passing of your child - -
Please know that I have and will continue to keep the family of Randez Brown in my prayers. Remember his smile, his laugh, his hugs & kisses, the true blessing that he was while on earth and will always be in your hearts.
Also praying that Samiyah will make a full recovery.
With deepest sympathies - - -
Amelia

Amelia McGirt

March 25, 2014

RIP Randez you are a hero to me i us to see you all the time i walk pass the court in you would be playing basketball with your little brother RIP Randez, Samiyah is in my prayers...

Cheyenne Fairley

March 25, 2014

Happy Birthday

yolanda williams

March 25, 2014

A brave young man died trying to save his sister you are such a hero and I know your sister will make it through this and be so proud of you. ..RIP baby I know you will be missed

yolanda williams

March 25, 2014

Words cannot express how heavy my heart is today filled with grief but also filled with love. May God bless you all in your time of grievement

shawanda ray

March 25, 2014

Rip little soldier you will be truly missed happy birthday.

Tasha Sturdivant

March 24, 2014

My heart goes out to the Brown Family...you raised a young man that have touched many lives. My payers are with you .

Dana B.

March 24, 2014

God only calls the best home...Randez touched a lot of lives.
Carolina Rollers MC will be supporting the family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all

Booze (Carolina Roller MC)

March 24, 2014

Although I only knew Randez for the few months I've been at Sedgefield Elementary, he will have an everlasting impact on my life. He is a hero to us all.

Heather Lucas

March 24, 2014

RIP. Randez. You are a true angle and sweet child.missing you already

Johnnie. Harry and Barry Williams

March 24, 2014

God only calls the best home...Randez touched a lot of lives.
Carolina Rollers MC will be supporting the family during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all

Dana Benson

March 24, 2014

Tears from bennettsville primary school

March 24, 2014

You didn't think twice about saving your little sister. You have showed nothing but courage. Randez you will be missed tremendously by all..

Danette Evans

March 24, 2014

Happy Birthay to you Randez Brown. You are by far one of the best heros I will ever know.. I will never forget you. You will truly be missed!

Danette Evans

March 24, 2014

Beautiful beautiful boy . Put his little sister before his own safety . A true big brother . Your mummy must be heartbroken but very proud of her gorgeous little man .

Tracey Laing

March 24, 2014

GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. ST JOHN 15:13

March 24, 2014

So sad to loose one so young - No greater love could he have shown for his sister. So sorry for the loss of this young man.

March 24, 2014

Our deepest condolences go out to your family. I pray Samiyah makes full recovery. You are truly a Hero and your presence will be miss on your Basketball Team, May God Bless You,
RIP

South Piedmont Heat

March 24, 2014

I did not know the two students. My prayers are with the sister and brother along with the family. May God be with them during this time.
After School Enrichment Program.

Oneita Williams

March 24, 2014

As a former Southside resident, this breaks my heart. I am so sorry for the family, may God give them strength as only He can. My prayers are with them. . .

M. Frazier Blakney

March 24, 2014

Happy Birthday Randez !!

May you Rest in Peace... God Bless the Miller/Brown Family.

T. Moore

March 24, 2014

Happy Birthday Randez
RIP

Sedgefield Elem Cafeteria Staff

March 24, 2014

Randez exemplified the greatest sacrifice any human can make. I am praying that God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.

March 24, 2014

Sorry for ya loss god needed him for a special task cause he's a hero

Carla Nicholson

March 24, 2014

Randez brown you are hero for trying to save your sister you are in heaven with The Lord Laverne camps

March 23, 2014

MS DEE HUNTER

March 23, 2014

My prayers are for your daughter and family. Altough I do not know him, I am so proud of Randez and how brave he was! She could not have asked for a better brother.

Gracie & Katie Williams

March 23, 2014

My prayers goes out to The Miller Family. I'm sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your daughter I pray to God to heal your baby.

Chrystal Nash- Rankin

March 23, 2014

RIParadise Angel

Ros Furlow

March 23, 2014

Rest in peace lil hero!!! God bless you and your family!! Watch over your lil sister as an angel, just like you did on earth!!!

Wendy Overbey

March 23, 2014

So sorry for your loss, what a hero.

March 23, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. From my mom, Effie and me, I send our sincerest condolences to the family.

Tanya Elder

March 23, 2014

Randez was an angel when I taught him at Sedgefield. I am praying for his sister and family.God took his angel home.

Mary Hardin

March 23, 2014

My prayers are with the family!

Kevin Ford

March 23, 2014

God bless and keep you during this time. Much love

Kirk Brittain

March 23, 2014

Randez There are some students that I will remember forever and you are one of them. I will always remember your smile, the way you always wanted to help me in the media center, and especially the way you always watched over your younger brother and sister. Until we meet again.

Alisa Combs

March 23, 2014

Randez, we were next door neighbors and you were probably the only kid my mom didn't mind my brother hanging around. You were so sweet and you will be missed! We all loved you honey! I will never forget you, I just wish I could say goodbye, we all do....I'm praying for your sister and your family as we speak! Have fun in heaven buddy, I'll see you one day.....

Teasha Adams

March 23, 2014

Rest in peace randez u was funny and cool you are in a better place see you wen I get there

Asa Kirby

March 22, 2014

People will say that people should not have favorites but as Randez's Media Coordinator I can tell you that Randez was one of my favorite students. He had a wonderful spirit about him; always joking and loved helping me in the Media Center. My days won't be the same without him. My memories of him will always be of laugher, smiles and of a hero. My thoughts, hugs, love and prayers are with Randez's family, and our school family.

Alisa Combs

March 22, 2014

Love you and will miss you nephew.

Roderick Hart

March 22, 2014

The life you gave was not a loss but an inspiration to others to be alert to help those in need!

Debra Bentley

March 22, 2014

MY PRAYERS GOING UP FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. SUCH A TRAGEDY THAT WORDS CAN NOT EXPLAIN..R.I.P RANDEZ GODS LITTLE HERO

STEPHANIE LITTLE

March 22, 2014

So sad. I had Randez when he was in kindergarten. He was a sweet boy.

Jill Douds

March 22, 2014

My deepest condolences go out to your family at this time. I pray Samiyah makes a full recovery and regains full health. Just know that you will see your son again , we will all see our loved ones we have lost one day ! I pray that God comforts and strengthens you and your family.

Kim V

March 22, 2014

Rip randez!..and god bless you sweet angel

Coleen Jones

March 22, 2014

prayers for the soul of Randez and the full recovery of his sister, Samiyah. blessing on their family members that they will find strength in each other and their faith.

Linda Medina

March 22, 2014

My son Diego is in Randez's class at Sedgefield Elementary and though he is very upset about the loss of his friend he has never been more proud of anyone. What a hero. Fly High Randez RIP

Heather Westerfield

March 22, 2014

You will be greatly missed since so many loved you. Your courage, bravery, sweetness and kindness will always be a reminder to us of what a wonderful person you were. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know you, teach you, and love you. May you rest peacefully.

Victoria Watkins

March 22, 2014

This is such a tragedy, but he has shown that he is & was a Soldier in God's Army. I'm so hurt that he wasn't able 2 fulfill his own life to try an save his baby sister. He is a "Hero" to sacrifice himself. May Randez soar with the Angels & Pray his precious sister pulls through Hope this doesn't cause a psycological dilemma
on baby girl. I am praying for the family! May God comfort the Family!

Deidi Williams

March 22, 2014

Praying for Shamiyah and the family. GOD bless you.

Nathifa Moore

March 22, 2014

To the family,

May GOD keep your family uplifted during this time of grief. Words can't express how truly sorry I am to have heard of your loss.

I am a mother of 4 and can't imagine such a loss. Only GOD knows your pain. Trust and hold onto his every word to get you through this time of bereavement.

My family will keep your family in prayer. May GOD bless you all.

Nathifa Moore

March 22, 2014

Love you randez we will miss you.

Bostic Family

March 22, 2014

May the sweet Love of Our Lord and Savior give you strength doing this most difficult time. My heart is so heavy for the love ones of Randez but what a brave young man to give his life for his sister, I know that he is resting with the LORD! I'm praying for complete healing in his sister's life. My heart goes out to all of you. Love and Peace!!

DeVera Johnson

March 22, 2014

Showing 1 - 100 of 146 results

Make a Donation
in Randez Brown's name

How to support Randez's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Randez Brown's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more