Devon Mitchell

Devon worked at PPD as a Patient Recruiter and formerly at the HEB on the corner of Slaughter Lane and Escarpment Boulevard.

Devon had the ability to be friends with anyone. We were struck when we read all the wonderful comments and saw the pictures his friends posted on social media after learning about his death. Although Devon lived a short life, he lived a full life. He lived in Banbury, England, San Antonio, Texas, Wahiawa, Hawai’i, Conway, Arkansas, Chester, Vermont, finally landing in Austin, Texas where he has lived for the last 19 years. He got to travel the world, often visiting his grandparents, Uncle and Aunt in England, friends in Europe and Mexico, and going on family trips with his parents.

A little over three years ago, Devon had a seizure that nearly took his life. It took EMS over 50 minutes to restart his heart. Devon could have died that day. After the incident, we felt very blessed Devon survived and was still with us. Despite being left with some disabilities from the incident, he lived a full and happy life sharing his love with everyone who knew him.

In July, Devon moved into his first home. He was very proud, happy and appreciative to have his own home. On the anniversary of the seizure he had in October, 2013, he commented on his Facebook Page that he finally felt like an adult.

Devon didn’t die this time because he was weak or didn’t love life enough, he died because it was his time. When and why your time comes isn’t our decision. Devon had all the love and friends anyone could ever want or need. When the doctor tells you that your child died, it’s surreal and you can’t believe it. Losing a child is the hardest thing a parent could ever endure or have to go through. It gives us some peace and comfort to know Devon was loved deeply by his many family and friends. It is not possible to express how much he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his stepbrother, Mathew LaForest. Devon will always be love and cherished by his father, David Mitchell; mother, Suzette LaForest; stepfather, Mark LaForest; grandparents, Ralph and Jean Mitchell and Robert and Jennifer McCauley; stepsister, Jessica LaForest; many relatives who live in the Austin area and the United Kingdom; and a host of friends. Devon also leaves behind his beloved dog Thor. Thor was Devon’s sidekick and went everywhere Devon went. If you saw Devon coming you knew Thor was with him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A Celebration of Devon’s Life will be at 3:30 P.M., Thursday, December 1, 2016 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Devon’s memory to Emancipet at www.emancipet.org or to the Austin Humane Society at www.austinhumanesociety.org.