Anthonie “Tyrese” Witcher Jr., of Pulaski, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 18, 2025.
He was born on February 6, 2000, in Roanoke, Virginia, to Anthony Cecil Witcher and Cherie Smith. When Tyrese was 10 months old, he and his sister Kensi joined the loving home of his great aunt and uncle, Wallis and Faye Brown, and were raised by their cousin Anissa Brown.
Tyrese attended Pulaski County Public Schools until 2016 and graduated from Hermitage High School in Henrico, Virginia, in 2018. He was an A/B honor roll student and achieved multiple perfect scores on standardized tests, particularly in math and social studies. In addition to his academic success, he excelled in football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. His favorite college football team was the University of Oregon Ducks, where he dreamed of one day attending and playing football.
He was musically gifted, a talent that became one of his defining passions. Tyrese taught himself to play both drums and piano. He also played alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone in the band throughout middle and high school. He expressed his creativity through rap under the name “Zeno,” writing and performing lyrics that spoke to his experiences and aspirations.
Tyrese was raised in both Radford Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Bent Mountain Baptist Church. He accepted Christ at a youth revival and developed a personal relationship with God. He served faithfully in the church, playing the drums during services at Bent Mountain Baptist Church. He also joyfully participated in the Youth Choir and Youth Department and stepping with the church’s Step Team at Radford COGIC. He enjoyed going to church and never complained about attending—it was a part of who he was.
Though life brought its share of struggles, Tyrese always carried a deep love for his family. He was known for his protective nature, big hugs, warm smile, and infectious laughter. He cherished time with his nephews Omarion and O’Shay and had a special bond with his little cousins, Journee and Jazlyn.
Tyrese leaves to cherish his memory: Anissa Brown, his cousin who lovingly raised him and stood by him as a mother would, guiding his life with the kind of love that only comes from the heart; his great aunt and uncle, Wallis and Faye Brown; his parents, Cherie Smith and Anthony Witcher; his grandparents, Pamela Smith and Roberta Witcher; his siblings, Dylan Smith, Kensi Witcher, Fredrick Copeland, Tyler Smith, Eddie Smith, Jasmine Deane, Thomaysia Scarborough, Heaven Smith, Jamica Smith, and Faith Smith; and his aunts, uncles, and special cousins: Cintoria Smith, Ashley Smith, Leslie Witcher, Brad Smith, Anita Brown, Andrea Brown, Ardra (Matt) Needam, and Mac (Tasha) Brown, Sandra (John) Rollins, Alpha Stewart, Walter (Earline) Todd, and Mary (Rudy) Allen. He is also lovingly remembered by a host of other cousins and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Cecil White and Edward Smith, and his aunt Kaye Calfee.
Tyrese’s life was full of music, love, and promise. He gave his best to the people he loved and left behind memories that will be treasured always. His life was much too short, but he never stopped coming back to the people who mattered most, always seeking to heal, make peace, and share his heart. He lived with passion, and his legacy lives on in the music he made, the lives he touched, and the family who loves him still.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, 3:00PM at Dublin United Methodist Church, 424 E. Main St, Dublin, VA 24084. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Highland Memory Gardens. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 248 Randolph Ave. Pulaski, VA 24301.
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