Jeremiah Riley Nash

Early Life Adventures

Jeremiah Riley Nash, along with his wombmate Josh, made his grand entrance on a cold but beautiful day, December 4, 2000. Despite being born in the winter, Jeremiah lit up the world with his warm and jovial spirit, infectious smile, and gentle, pure heart. He was an active young man who was extremely curious and investigative, always exploring and eager to discover new things. From an early age, Jeremiah engaged in hobbies he carried into adolescence. He enjoyed nature and outdoor adventures, playing sports on local youth football teams such as the Garfield Gators and Morningside Vikings. In his spare time, he also played basketball with his siblings and community peers. Jeremiah shared a love for video gaming and enjoyed it whenever time allowed. He attended Imani Christian Academy from elementary through middle school, where he was a member of the band, participated in after-school clubs, and earned a place on the school's honor roll.

A Bulldog Forever,

Jeremiah continued his academic and extracurricular successes at Westinghouse High School, where he was a talented and dynamic scholar. While quiet and unassuming in his early high school years, he made a profound impact on his school community and loved being a Bulldog. Jeremiah was a silent leader who was not afraid to lead from behind-he inspired his peers through his discipline and work ethic. Intellectually stimulated, he loved learning and consistently challenged himself to exceed his academic limits.

He participated in Pitt College in High School courses through the Justice Scholars Institute (JSI) and engaged in pre-college programs at Carnegie Mellon University to further develop his skills. His involvement in enrichment programs such as Youth Enrichment Services (YES) allowed him to cultivate his academic acumen, engage in research and post-secondary training, and form lasting friendships. Jeremiah received the highest academic honors at Westinghouse, serving as both class valedictorian and superintendent award nominee, modeling excellence in academics and athletics alike.

While naturally talented, Jeremiah worked tirelessly as an athlete, earning roles as a lead football player and team captain. His peers trusted his vision and admired his work ethic. He led his team to consecutive winning seasons and also achieved champion status in wrestling and track. Jeremiah was a well-rounded student who engaged in volunteer and community service activities. His spirit of service, commitment to excellence, and desire to nurture others blossomed as he entered his post-secondary studies at Morehouse College.

A Lover of Learning and Community

Jeremiah valued learning above all and placed it at the center of his life. He enrolled at Morehouse College in 2018, studying sociology with a concentration in pre-law. His interest in law grew as he participated in local political initiatives in Atlanta and joined the Mock Court team. He loved the intellectual challenge of preparing and presenting cases, practicing trial procedures, and understanding courtroom rules. Beyond academics, Jeremiah immersed himself in campus life, enjoying camaraderie and community engagement. In addition to his studies, he worked in retail and food service, balancing multiple responsibilities. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, he continued in these roles before shifting, during COVID, to support kindergarten and first-grade students through Mount Ararat's Community Learning Center. There, he facilitated learning and helped young students connect to school in a challenging educational climate. This experience inspired his passion for teaching and investing in young people's growth. Jeremiah continued to work with young people at the Community Empowerment Association (CEA), bringing his love for learning and excitement for discovery. At YES, he co-facilitated the Youth Civic Leadership Academy (YCLA), introducing youth to research and problem-solving. While supporting youth in their own learning, Jeremiah also returned to school to continue pursuing his sociology degree with a concentration in law. Completing his education remained extremely important to him, so he persisted in the face of insurmountable challenges. His fervent spirit transcended his school commitments. Jeremiah served and volunteered selflessly, most visibly through his commitment to driving the House of Manna youth ministry van. His dedication to servant leadership and youth development was undeniable.

Jeremiah's Spiritual Journey

Jeremiah began a deep and meaningful relationship with God during his senior year at Westinghouse following a tragic loss, which prompted him to examine his life's purpose. He attended Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, where he was embraced by a loving spiritual community. Though attending church wasn't necessarily new to Jeremiah, this was the time when he truly committed his life to God, was baptised, and mentored by church leaders. Jeremiah's devotion was such that he sometimes walked nearly two miles on Sunday mornings to worship. After leaving for Morehouse, he stayed connected to a church community, fellowshipping with Embassy International Church in Atlanta. Through the various turns in his walk with God, Jeremiah loved reading the Bible, drawing comfort and encouragement from scripture. One of his favorite books was the Book of Jeremiah, particularly Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." His faith gave him comfort in difficult times and assured him of an eternal home.

The Family and the Village Left Behind

Jeremiah's loss is deeply felt by his parents, Jeffrey Nash and Lashawn Simpson, along with his twin brother, Joshua Nash, and older brother, Brandon Simpson. He was preceded in death by those he loved deeply: his grandmother Carolyn Nash, his brother Jeffrey Nash, his grandfathers William Nash and Riley Simpson, and his sister Ashley Simpson.

He leaves behind his grandmother, Fredea Cox; siblings Jordan Nash, Jessica Williams, Yusef, and Devontae Carpenter; as well as bonus siblings. His loving aunts, Carmella Freeman and Angela Simpson; cousins Dominique Bell, Chyna Simpson, Shawntel Freeman, Carly Freeman, and Jasmine Freeman; and numerous nieces and nephews-Jade Williams, Jace Williams, Jayla Williams-Yusef, Jakeem Williams-Yusef, Kaenan Carpenter, and Zuri Carpenter-who will continue to shepherd his legacy. His bonus moms, Ms. Denise and Ms. Cansa, along with a host of extended family members, were also touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit. Jeremiah also leaves a massive village of friends, mentors, and coaches who loved and invested in him throughout his life.

Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, Jeremiah's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His life was a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of divine purpose. Jeremiah's call to us, even in his death, is one of service, love, and purpose-filled living.