Dorian Marcel Barkley was born June 28, 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio to Chanel Barkley and Allen Kouns. Shortly after Dorian’s birth, he was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards Syndrome; a genetic condition that affects one in 5000 infants, and causes developmental delays in the surviving born. In addition to the bond Dorian shared with his mother, he was blessed to have an adopted family who loved and embraced him from birth. A combination of God’s grace, and the love and partnership between his mother, great-grandparents and adopted family, Dorian was well-equipped with the resilience he needed to prove the medical professionals wrong. He superseded his doctors’ predictions that he would not survive beyond two years of age. Throughout his life he had many nicknames; one of the first was “Miracle Baby,” which was appropriate because of the positive impact he had on the many people he encountered during his 22 years with us.
Dorian had a host of caregivers and teachers who contributed to his development and took joy in watching him flourish throughout his celebrated milestones. During his early years, he attended East Cleveland Early Childhood Center and Green Road Developmental Center. In 2018, Dorian received his Certificate of Completion from the Euclid High School’s extension program with The Metzenbaum Center. Most recently, he transitioned to the Hattie Larlham Constellation Program.
Dorian was embraced as a member of Glenville New Life Community Church, where he was baptized by Pastors Rick and Toby Gillespie-Mobley.
Over the years, Dorian overcame many medical complications. Even when he didn’t feel his best, he would muster a smile that could (and often times did) brighten anyone’s day. A ray of sunshine for so many, Dorian’s personality was laidback. He was most often spotted with a sly grin or huge smile, humming or singing to the beat of his favorite song or musical toys and instruments.
The day Dorian didn’t smile, he was taken to University Hospital where it was discovered he had pneumonia, which quickly transformed into a severe lung infection. In his plus 20 years of life, he proved himself to be strong; and a fighter. On November 21, his soul decided it was time for his body to rest. Dorian was surrounded by loved ones when he took his last breath and went peacefully in the night listening to one of his favorite songs; “Chasing Pavements” by Adele.
Dorian is survived by his mother Chanel, his sister (Jalayna Davis); his grandparents (Pierre & Sally Barkley); great-grandparents (Joseph & Doreatha Lemons); as well as a host of cousins; and his adopted family, Big Ma (Jacqueline Grant), and Big Daddy (Lloyd Potts); siblings (LaQuana Coleman, John Grant, Monique Wilson & Jasmine Grant); uncles (DeShaun, Chonton, Davaughn & Dominick Grant); and dear family friend (Davion Johnson). He is preceded in death by his grandmother (Sharon Barkley). Following his cremation, his ashes will be taken to California with his mother and sister.
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