Joshua Damaris Gadson

Joshua Damaris Gadson was born on October 25, 1995 in Decatur, Georgia to Jeremiah D. Gadson and Matred M. Conaway. At the time of his birth, due to severe medical conditions, his physicians projected a life expectancy of one year or less. Fortunately for all of us, the Master Physician, Jesus Christ, granted us nearly 18 years with him. Joshua was later blessed with an adoptive mother, Jocelyn Cheeks Gadson, who loved and cared for him as only a mommy could and another male figure in his life, Vernon D. Conaway. Joshua attended school at the Frazier Center and the Heritage Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He participated in various camps and enrichment programs where he enjoyed a myriad of activities and experiences. Later, he attended boarding school at Father Purcell’s Memorial Center for Exceptional Children in Montgomery, Alabama. Joshua was a jovial person throughout his life. He especially loved music, singing, church, and all percussion instruments (the louder the better). He loved to swim, play with animals, experience the outdoors, and he enjoyed special effect playtime at Lekotek of Georgia. Most of all, Joshua loved to spend time with all of his family and was considered to be everyone’s “favorite” relative.On Thursday, September 19, 2013 Joshua departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior at the Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama. Joshua filled our hearts, and countless others' with joy. Although his condition characterized him as special needs - the words most fitting to describe Joshua was uniquely special. Joshua taught everyone who knew him more important life lessons than anyone could ever teach him: love, kindness, determination, endurance, gentleness, and joy. Just being around him made you want to be a better person and helped put in perspective what really matters in life. In spite of his many challenges, surgeries, and other issues he endured, he never complained or fussed. Instead, Joshua always found a reason to laugh, smile, and praise. Joshua left an indelible impression on everyone with whom he interacted. Now he is completely free and whole and able to laugh, jump, and play for all eternity with Jesus in the best playground in the entire universe!Joshua was preceded in death by his Grandparents Jacob and Irene Gadson; Aunt Gwendolyn Lewis; Great Grandmother Mattie M. Johnson, and Godmother, Nancy Jackson. He is survived by his parents, Jeremiah and Jocelyn Gadson and Matred and Vernon Conaway; his loving and protective older brother, Jeremiah D. Gadson, II; his baby sister, Jocelyn Miah Gadson; grandparents, Willie and Gail Hunter and Brenda and Roger Cheeks; his aunts: Kathryn Gadson, Geraldine Fox, Gloria J. Gadson, Alana Cheeks, and Amanda Hunter; his uncles: J. Israel (Alice) Gadson, Johnnie C Lewis, and W. Kashiah (Jewel) Hunter, III; and a host of loving great aunts, great uncles, cousins, extende

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Joshua Damaris Gadson

October 25, 1995 - September 19, 2013