Savion Alexander "Ian" Best

Best, Savion "Ian" Alexander 18, of St. Louis, Michigan was born to Ebony Hall in Lansing, Michigan on March 3, 2000. Although he had only a few memories of his birth mother, he carried her in his heart always and knew that he someday wanted to reconnect with her. Savion joined his forever family at the age of four when he was adopted by Kristy Best. This brown-eyed boy stole his new mama's heart from day one and became her world. Kristy got to experience this amazing kiddo as he explored his world in a very hands-on way. Ian, as he was affectionately nick-named, was a busy young man. He loved making up his own science experiments, climbing on anything and everything, playing Power Rangers and hanging out with his many cousins, many times being the instigator of many shenanigans. More than anything Ian wanted a Dad and in September of 2010, Ian's wish came true when his mom married Brent Nelson. Not only did Ian get his wish for a Dad, but he also got an older sister Alexxis, and a special dog named Bailey who joined his cat Sammy. Brent was Ian's real dad in his heart long before it became official. Yet, at 17, Ian told his Dad that he was ready to be officially adopted. Brent's heart was over-joyed and his adoption day was one of the most special days as a family. Ian touched many people's lives. He had a huge heart and was happy to give and share with others. Ian would almost always spend his book fair money on a friend that didn't have any money. He was the kids that was the fastest sprinter, but ran slow because he didn't want to beat the kid that was going to come in last. Ian was proud of the fact that he could bring people up when they were feeling down, and he would take the time to listen when others needed him. Ian also gave the best hugs in the world. His mama is going to miss those big hugs and the way he towered over her. Ian also liked to have fun. He loved playing x-box live, showing off his dance moves, and wrestling with his dog Breezy. Ian made people laugh with his crazy antics, silly voices and just general goofiness. Some of the times that Ian enjoyed most were the times he spent in the summer at Camp Midicha, which is a camp for kids with type 1 diabetes. The experiences and friends he gained at camp were some of his most precious as he was just like everyone else when he was at camp. He was very proud that he got to participate in the counselor-in-training two week session last year and had a great time working with younger boys at camp. Ian participated in 4-H, Campus Life and enjoyed weight lifting. Ian was a senior in high school and was graduating at the end of May. Ian was proceeded in death by his Great Grandma B. (Faith Best) and his beloved dog Bailey. He is survived by his parents Brent & Kristy Nelson of St. Louis, MI. A sister, Alexxis Scharaswak and nephew Hayden Fick of Riverdale, MI. Grandparents Dick and Karen Best of St. Louis, MI and Karen Nelson of Alma, MI. Great Grandmother, Lenora Leonard of Shepherd, MI. Ian also had many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins that all played a special role in his life. Ian would want a special shout-out given to his Aunt Kathy & Uncle Brian Acker and cousins Kassidy, Cole and Kylie Acker as so many of his memories of growing up were spent at their house. Savion Alexander Best is a Gift of Life Donor and he will continue to live on and make and impact and difference in the lives of others. Cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service on Tuesday, May 8 at the Coe Church of Christ at 11am with Lane Hassloch officiating. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation in Savion's name to the Foster Closet of Michigan – Gratiot County Branch, JRDF – the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or Coe Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.