I just found out that brianna passed away I wish you the best of luck I'm sorry she passed away she was in my first period class she would tell me anything and I would listen I miss that girl she was the sister I never had I stand up for her when others were bringing her down I told her don't worry cause they dont know what they were talking about she was a great wonderful friend she would laugh with me and laugh at my jokes I knew then and there we would be friends forever and I wish she was my sister she was the coolest girl you ever wanted to meet she really was she was smart sweet and loved to talk to me and I just wished I said sorry to her the last day of school but she wasn't there R.I.P. brianna I know you are in a better place but could you stay with us a while longer I guess it was you time to go.

I met Brianna last spring when I administered a test to her. I was inspired by her sweet uplifting personality. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Michelle, my friend, my heart grieves with you and your family today as I've learned of Brianna's passing. There are no words to express my sorrow but I know Brianna is in a place with no more sorrow or pain. I hope this poem brings you comfort through this difficult time and just know that God is always with you and he will bring you through the storm...

Sincerely,
Renee Dupree and Family (Charlotte, NC)

Am Always With You

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
but be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".

Unknown

Brianna will always have a special place in my heart, as I worked with her when she was at Curtis Elementary. She always had a smile on her face, and seemed to enjoy life. May you and your entire family find everlasting love and comfort in God's arms.

Michelle,

Our hearts go out to you and Shawn. We know Brianna was a special girl. Although we have only known her for a couple of years, it was easy to see she was a sweet and loving girl. Her quiet strength allowed her to persevere through her challenges. We feel privileged to have known her and have her as part of our family. We are sorry we are unable to be with you during this difficult time. Please know you and Shawn are in our thoughts and prayers.

I remember working with Brianna at Marguerite Christian Elementary School from November 2002-March 2004 during the time I was a Special Education Teacher Assistant. Brianna was a wonderful student to work with and she always had a smile on her face. I was very saddened to hear about her passing. It's a shame she passed away so young. I will always remember what she said to me the last time I ever saw her six years ago. She was switching schools and as I helped her get on the bus, she said "Mr.Monroe I'll never forget all you did to help me." I will always remember Brianna as a hard working student who made lots of strides. May you rest in peace Miss Brianna.

Kirk Monroe

I met Brianna in the childrens ministry at Southside Church of the Nazarene a few years ago and we instantly became friends. I will miss her until I see her again one day. God bless your family!

Mickey Moore

Dear Michelle,

So sorry to hear of your loss. I know Brianna will be deeply missed in your life. Just know you were a great MOM and stood by her 100% everyday.You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Brianna was a great girl with an outstanding personality and love for life. Know we are here for you whenever you need us. Love you and thinking of you during this loss in your life.

Co, Sueboo and family...

Shawn & Michelle,
My heart breaks for you...I cannot begin to understand what you must be feeling. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Brianna, through reading the posts that people have written, it is clear that she was a very special girl and so very loved. I wish you peace, comfort and love during this difficult time. Live and love every memory! Take care of each other!
Love, Darcie

To the Johnson family, my heart is heavy hearing of the passing of my dear friend Brianna. I've known her since elementary school. She was so nice and sweet and I know she is with God now. My prayers are with your family during this hard time. R.I.P Brianna you are gone but never forgotten. Continue to watch over all of us at Matoaca.
Love,
Christina Jones

Michelle,

Words can't describe how I felt when you called me and told me about Brianna's passing. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I can't even imagine what you and Shawn are going through right now. She was the sweetest girl with the prettiest smile....I am always here for you if you ever need anything so please don't hesitate to call me. You, Shawn and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Michelle,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe the heartache that is felt for you and your family. I'm sorry I never got to meet Brianna, truly sorry. Stay strong and know that she's an Angel now, looking out for her Mommy and Shawn!

****

God saw that she was getting tired
And the cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around her
And whispered, "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes we watched her suffer
And saw her fade away.
Although we loved her dearly,
We could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Busy little hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

It's lonesome here without you
We miss you so each day,
Our lives aren't the same
Since you went away.

When days are sad and lonely,
And everything goes wrong,
We seem to hear you whisper,
"Cheer up and carry on."

Each time we see your picture,
You seem to smile and say,
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,
We'll meet again someday."

Michelle,

I'm sure you already know that the bond you have with Brianna will be with you always, Michelle, just as long as you keep her memory and the love you share with her alive in your heart. You will always be Brianna’s mom, and Brianna will always be your beloved daughter. Death may have ended her life, but it certainly does not end the relationship you have with her. Although she is no longer physically present, it doesn't mean you cannot continue to love her in her absence. I hope the precious memories you have of your precious child will one day bring you comfort, and that you'll come to find, in the lovely words of Hugh Robert Orr:
"They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed, they live a life again, and shall live through the year’s eternal life, and shall grow each day more beautiful, as time declares their good, forgets the rest, and proves their immortality." Love you my dear friend, Carla

Michelle My Dear Friend,

I'm sure you already know that the bond you have with Brianna will be with you always, Michelle, just as long as you keep her memory and the love you share with her alive in your heart. You will always be Brianna’s mom, and Brianna will always be your beloved daughter. Death may have ended her life, but it certainly does not end the relationship you have with her. Although she is no longer physically present, it doesn't mean you cannot continue to love her in her absence. I hope the precious memories you have of your precious child will one day bring you comfort, and that you'll come to find, in the lovely words of Hugh Robert Orr:

"They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed, they live a life again, and shall live through the year’s eternal life, and shall grow each day more beautiful, as time declares their good, forgets the rest, and proves their immortality."

My thoughts and prayers are with you, love Carla

Michelle: So sorry to hear about your sweet daughter Brianna! I’m passing on this quote since I think it gives some comfort: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Michelle,

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. You and your family are in my prayers during this time of sadness.

To this Family I met Brianna this school year we rode the same school bus and I would see her smiling face but I'm so sorry about your loss and God had a better plan for her life.. I'm praying for you all during this diffcult time during the passing of Brianna... May God Bless & Keep You All During This Time.. KJ Granderson

I just want to let you know that your family are in my prayers. I never had the pleasure of meeting your daughter, but I have been a longtime friend of her Aunt Theresa and know that if she was anything like her she was a beautiful and special person. My heart goes out to all of you. May God keep you close to his heart and bless you always!

Dear Shawn and Michelle, I am so sorry for your sorrow. I meet Brianna and she was wonderful and fun to be around, we had fun with the puppy. I know God is taking care of her now and he has given you and Shawn wonderful memories to carry on with. You all are in my prayers.
Lover to you both, Grams

To the Family
Our hearts are heavy today due to the passing of Brianna.She was such a sweet little girl and an inspiration to those of us that let the small obstacles in life get to us.Michelle and Shawn were awsome parents and we loved to hear Pat and Cecil tell us stories about Briana's little adventures (Victory Juntion ) and school.
Please accept our Condolences and know that we are thinking of all of you and know that you are all in our prayers Dave & Judy

Many prayers are being sent up for you at this time and will continue go up in the coming months and years. May God richly bless you.

Michelle,
My heart is breaking for you. No words can express how you must be feeling. I never met Brianna, but in the pictures I have seen and knowing the type of person you are, I know she had to be a beautiful person. Be proud that she lived such a wonderful life because of you! Please know that we (me, my mom, Benji, and Janeth Lynn) will help with anything you may need. Just let me know.
I am so sorry again Michelle. She is up in the heavens with our Lord.
I love you and your family. Thinking of you.
Anne Marie Clifton (Cournow)

Michelle and Shawn,
My heart goes out to you, I know your pain and will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.
Judy and Greg Foggin (Shawn's Aunt and cousin)

Shawn and Michelle -
We had the pleasure of meeting Brianna a couple of years ago at Olivia's birthday party. Although we didn't know her well, it was easy to see she was a very special girl. We can only imagine how lost you both feel right now. Losing anyone close to us is to say the least challenging, but when it is your own flesh and blood it must seem like your world has ended. Take comfort in knowing that her pain has ended and she is in a place of true comfort.
You can also take comfort in the fact that Brianna, as well as the both of you, have so many people that truly love her and you. Lean on each other in this time of need, but also dont hesitate to lean on your friends and family. Please let us know if you need anything at all. Love, The Francisco's

Michelle,

I am so sorry hearing about Brianna's death. My daughter Katie and her competed during Virginia Victory Games and also attended Victory Junction Camp together. There are no words that could express my sorrow for you at this loss. God gives these little miracles to take care of, only for a short time. You have seen God's love, like very few people have. May he tend to your needs during this time of healing, and she will be greatly missed.

Love,

Robin and Katie Kirkpatrick

Michelle,
I just want to say say sorry and congratulations at the same time. I am sorry that you have had this event happen to you. No mother should outlive her children and I am definately praying for you and your family. Rapunzel (my nickname for Michelle), I am definately carrying this hard time with you and my heart is burdened as well because of you being such a sweet person to work with. Life always throw us some hard balls, but I know you are a strong woman who can catch the hard balls and throw it back. I want to say congratulations to you also because your daughter made it into the hands of the Lord. Even though we want God to heal her on this side of heaven, the healing that He extended to her is far better, no limits, no boundaries, no suffering at all. I love you Michelle and God loves you too. Take some time out for yourself and worry about nothing because God sees your tears and understands very well your hurt but God is well able to comfort you. I have a shoulder here waiting for you if you need it when you decide to come back to work. I will miss you but I will carry you in my spirit while you are in this time of grief. Again, I love you.