Jaylin Anthony Brewer

Jaylin “Fritter” Anthony Brewer, 10, passed surrounded by his mother, grandmother, aunt, numerous doctors and nurses by his side. He was born February 26, 2002, to his parents, Sara Stripling of Marshall, Texas, and Jermaine Brewer of San Antonio, Texas.

A funeral service will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, with Bro. Jerry Wilson of Westside Baptist Church officiating.

Jaylin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charles Larry Stripling.

He is survived by his mother, Sara Stripling; father, Jermaine Brewer; stepdad, Markus Robinson; sisters, Aubrey “Chick” Robinson and Adrian “Tiny” Robinson; grandparents, Melba Stripling, Dorothy White, and Mary Grimes and husband Johnny; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Jaylin was known by his friends and family as “Fritter.” That nickname was given to him before he was born by his pawpaw, Larry Stripling. Fritter was born a healthy little boy and upon his two year old doctor checkup visit to specialists at Texas Childrens Hospital, he was subsequently diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease called Restrictive Cardiomyopathy. Doctors explained that without a heart transplant, he would only have about two years to live. Jaylin was placed on the Heart Transplant list and in only 14 days, June 23, 2004, he received the most selfless gift, a new heart.

As Jaylin was still at that time very new to TCH he was already touching the hearts and lives of any and all that were involved in his care.His life experience at only the tiny age of 2, began to mold the personality of a truly exceptional human being.

Fritter loved spending time with his pawpaw. The two did everything together, from grocery shopping to making out bills and mailing them off. Sadly in 2005, his pawpaw passed away of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

It wasn’t long before Fritter began to be recruited by places such as: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Life Gift Organ donation, Hospice of Deep East Texas and TCH to be somewhat of a poster child representing them. His unique story and will to live amazed everyone.

Jaylin lived like any healthy child full of energy and mischief. He enjoyed school, riding four wheelers, being with friends and family, but mostly playing his video games. He was passionate about his games and wanted to be a video game tester when he grew up. Fritter lived his brief life on this earth to the fullest all the time. He experienced many different and at times very difficult situations that most people will never in their entire lifetime. On September 15, 2012, he was admitted to TCH because of a heart rejection episode. We began a long journey to fight the rejection along with many other obstacles associated with the damage that was done due to the severe rejection. It was then apparent that we would need to be placed on the Transplant list for a new heart. He remained on the list until the list on November 28, a perfect heart did not arrive before his sweet life ended. There are certain people who are so special who can not remain on this earth. Before he belonged to us he belonged to Jesus.

Our family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to the Elysian Fields ISD and our Ms. Sheri, all of the doctors nurses and staff at the TCH cardiology and transplant, and to our heroes who fought for Jaylin’s life as if it were their own: Dr. William Dryer, Dr. Aamir Jeewa, and our own angel and friend Ms. Corey Gates, RN.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Pallbearers will be Clinton Blackmon, Jamen Koontz, Bobby Alexander, Chris Alexander, Samuel Arredondo, Brandon Arredondo, Austin Harkey, and Keith Doyle.

Memorial donations may be offered to Texas Children’s Hospital, Cardiology Transplant Division, 6621 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030.