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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Birthday balloons, for the little boy who would have turned 12 Monday. Β Randez Brown was just days away from celebrating when he died trying to pull his sister, seven-year-old Samiyah, to safety. Β The two, and some other children, were playing in Davis Creek in south Charlotte Thursday night when the drowning happened. Β Now, along the fence that surrounds the creek, a memorial continues to grow.
Friends and family hugged, displayed flowers, released balloons, and lit candles in Randez’s memory Monday evening. Β “We hope this light reaches to heaven. Β Because we know that is where he is,” says his grandmother Joyce Hart.Β
Randez’s mother says he was sensitive and protective. Β Stephanie Black says, “That was my third child. Β My little baby, my beautiful baby. Β Prettiest baby. Β And helpful. Β He’ll ask every day, you okay? You all right? You need anything from the store?”
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Lauren Stines taught both Randez and Samiyah in a church after-school program. Β She always thought Randez would grow up to be a preacher. Β She says, “He always wanted to be leading, he always wanted to be praying, he wanted to be up front. Β He was growing up into such a strong young man. It was great to see that.”Β
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Meanwhile, Samiyah remains in the hospital. Β The girl, described as silly and cute, is making progress, according to her grandmother. Β “Samiyah’s coming along. Β She attempted to open her eyes yesterday. Β They were reading to her,” says Hart.
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There will be a funeral service for Randez Brown on Saturday at Chappell Memorial Baptist Church. His family has also set up a website (http://www.gofundme.com/7rqyrw) to collect donations.Β
