Josiah Samuel Brevis

Lafayette - A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 am in Asbury United Methodist Church in the “Spirit Wind Center” in Lafayette for Josiah Samuel Brevis, age 13, who passed away peacefully at his residence on August 19, 2023, in Lafayette. Reverend John Cannon will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am in the “Spirit Wind Center of Asbury Methodist Church. Josiah Samuel Brevis was born on December 10, 2009, in Baltimore County, Maryland and he was a longtime resident of Lafayette. He loved Legos as well as anything that involved building, playing video games, spending time with friends and family, watching anything Marvel, reading, listening to podcasts and books, playing board games (he was practically unbeatable at Connect-Four). Josiah was interested in Greek and Egyptian mythology. He graduated from the French-immersion program at Myrtle Place Elementary where he bonded with his classmates and teachers throughout his time there. Josiah was a loving member of the Temple Shalom family and enthusiastically supported and participated in Jewish life in Acadiana. He was active with Cub Scouts of America (Pack 156) and all the activities that entailed (he was a born salesman and was always one of the top popcorn sellers). At the time of his osteosarcoma diagnosis, Josiah had just earned his Arrow of Light rank, joining Boy Scout Troop 271. He had also just started playing trumpet and fencing, two activities his parents are sure he would have excelled at if given more days on this earth. The family would like others to know: Josiah was sunshine and fresh air, rushing water and fireworks. He was an extrovert in a family of introverts, naturally being the family ambassador and spokesperson. From the time Josiah started day care as an infant, he won over everyone he came in contact with. This was especially true in the last two years of his life, when he had constant hospital stays and surgeries. Everyone who met him loved him and remembered him. Everything was an adventure to him. Even during challenges like chemotherapy and having his leg amputated, he remained inquisitive and positive, wanting to learn about the science and medicine associated with his treatment and rehabilitation. He could have conversations with people of all ages. Unlike his parents, he was unflappable when it came to technology, and didn't stress about device kerfuffles or glitches. Josiah was small, but mighty. He overcame many challenges in his life, including juvenile cataracts. He made friends easily and he was a lifelong learner for his brief stay on this earth. He always hoped his osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment would help lead to better research and treatment options for others afflicted by this awful disease. Throughout his illness, Josiah was always thinking of others and remained optimistic until the end that he would live many, many more years. Josiah is survived by his parents, Zachariah Michael and Melanie Lynn Thompson Brevis; his sister, Hadley Michaela Brevis; his maternal grandparents, Rich and Linda Thompson of Monrovia, MD; his paternal grandmother, Susan Braley of Gladwin, MI; his aunts, Crystal Thompson of Washington, DC, Valerie (Brandon) Roebuck of New Windsor, MD, and Chelsea (Eric) Wiler of Byron Center, MI; his uncles, Cole Brevis of Walker, MI, and Derrick (Carrie) Thompson of Stephens City, VA; his cousins Kirby and Eamon Roebuck, Jaret, Brennan, Morgan and Adelyn Wiler, Georgia and Cole (Jr) Brevis, as well as Grace, Faith, and Jeremiah Thompson. The family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the St. Jude affiliate clinic in Baton Rouge and Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, as well as St. Jude Memphis, for their amazing care these past two years. They embraced Josiah as one of their family and loved him dearly. Also, the family would like to thank his Myrtle Place Elementary school family, his homebound teachers, and his Scouting family who supported him and our family throughout; Hospice of Acadiana for their compassionate care in his final weeks; to everyone else in our community near and far who cheered for Josiah and supported our family in many ways these past two years; as well to Nick Barber and the congregation at Temple Shalom for spiritual care and comfort. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in memory of Josiah Samuel Brevis to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, www.roswellpark.org; or Lafayette Public Library Foundation, www.lplfoundation.org. Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Josiah Samuel Brevis

December 10, 2009 - August 19, 2023