Jacey Brighton Clary, age 17, of Sylacauga, AL passed away on June 2, 2022, surrounded by her family at UAB Hospital. Known as “Brighton,” her family and friends also called her “B”, “Deuce”, and “Birdie”.
Born March 15, 2005, to Tara Gardner Lawhorn and Jason Clary, Brighton was always a bright shining light with a contagious smile and personality. Since birth, even her pediatrician told her parents that her name suited her because she was a bright light that lit up a room. Her stunning beauty, welcoming spirit and humor created an atmosphere of energy and laughter. She was truly an “All American Girl” with not only her beauty but her athleticism, character and kindness. Brighton was known for letting her family and friends know how much they meant to her. Many of her teachers, coaches and friends have shared how she wrote them handwritten cards expressing her gratitude and love for them at the end of this past school year. Brighton was a very special young lady who made a positive impact on anyone that was lucky enough to know her or came in contact with her.
Brighton is preceded in death by her great grandmother, Priscilla Hughes Mitchell. The family has found comfort in knowing Grandmother was waiting for her with open arms and a warm hug. She is survived by her mother, Tara Gardner Lawhorn (Jonathan) and her father, Jason Clary (Jenna Whitman); her beloved younger brother, Jett Clary; stepsisters Saylor Lawhorn and Whitlee Windham; stepbrother Jon Sawyer Lawhorn; grandparents Wendy Walker Pate, Adam & Daphne Green Gardner and Ricky & Sheila Bryant Clary; great grandparents James & Betty Bryant; uncles Blake Gardner (Stormi), Cody Pate (Haydn Hughes), Dalton Pate and Cason Gardner; aunt Brooke Clary (Cody); and a host of extended family and friends.
Not only was Brighton an amazing young lady with a bright future ahead of her, she was also a star student and athlete at Sylacauga High School. She was entering into her senior year and was looking forward to making memories on and off the court and field. While juggling athletics full time, she was also on the A/B Honor Roll and inducted into the National Honor Society. During the fall season, she played Varsity Volleyball for the Sylacauga Aggies. She was a two-year letterman, two time All County, received the Ace Award, received Most Digs in a Season and All County Most Valuable Player. Her volleyball coach Rebecca Patterson said, “She was just spunky and a go-getter. She was funny. She was the life of the team.” Patterson said that Brighton was a competitor, but she always knew how to make her teammates and coaches smile. During the spring season, she played Varsity Softball for the Sylacauga Aggies where she was a four-year letterman, two time All County and Defensive Player of the Year.
A candlelight vigil was held in memory of Brighton on the Sylacauga Aggies softball field on June 3, 2022, and her coach, Chad Wilkinson, said the following, “I tell you this B, you have hit the ultimate game winning homerun of all time in my eyes because you get to spend eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! So do your home run trot kiddo, you deserve it. We love you B and will be missed greatly by so many!”
Pallbearers are Cody Pate, Dalton Pate, Cason Gardner, Cole Blocker, Luke Conn and Lane Hardin. Honorary Pallbearers are the Sylacauga High School Varsity Softball and Volleyball teams.
We will celebrate the life of Jacey Brighton Clary on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at the Sylacauga High School auditorium at 10:00 AM located at 701 N. Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sylacauga High School Volleyball or Softball Booster Clubs. SHS Volleyball Booster Club (701 N. Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150) or SHS Softball Booster Club (701 N. Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150).
The family would like to thank the entire community for their outpouring of support, love and prayers during this very difficult time. Seeing and hearing stories about the impact their beloved Brighton had on the community has given the family a sense of calmness, peace, happiness, joy and a glimpse of hope as they navigate life here on earth until the day they see their daughter again. A special thanks to Coosa Valley Medical Center and UAB staff, nurses and doctors as well as the Coosa County Fire and Rescue Squad and all first responders. The family expresses its sincerest gratitude to every person, media outlet and business that has honored their beautiful girl.
