Donnell Brandon Harris

Donnell Brandon Harris Jr, 19 peacefully transitioned to heaven on February 3, 2017 after battling a rare form of cancer for two months. Donnell transitioned while at home surrounded by his loving family.

Donnell was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 11, 1997 to the late Donnell Harris Sr. and his loving mother Denise Harris.

Also known as “Donny” to many, Donnell attended Spring Valley High in Columbia, South Carolina where he was respected and well-liked by his peers, teachers and all who knew him. Donnell aspired to become a photographer and enjoyed going to the movies, playing video games, watching sports or just hanging out with his brother and his cousin Tyranje Gerald, who was more like a brother to him rather than a cousin.

 His favorite sayings were “you shell” and “you lame bro”.  Donny also loved spending time with his family often sharing his love of sports with his uncle David and his brother Jalen. Many years of his life were happily spent with his girlfriend BeAsia, going out with friends to eat and enjoying life as typical teenagers.

During his mother Denise’s service with the Armed Forces, Donnell had the great fortune to travel with his family to many destinations, enjoying a wide array of new and exciting experiences. It was during one of these ventures that Denise met James Blanding who then later became a member of the family. James came into Donnell and Jalen’s life and was deemed “Dad” by the Harris boys. James showed Donnell unconditional love, guidance and support. Donnell was blessed to have also entered into his life Pastor Raymond Johnson and First Lady Sebrina Johnson of Holy Temple of Jesus Christ. It was through their conversations and prayers, that Donnell accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Donnell leaves to mourn his passing, mother Denise Harris, dad James Blanding, sister Ariel, brothers Jalen and Cameron, girlfriend BeAsia Bussey,  grandmothers Catherine,  and Marcia , godmother Maritza Acevedo of Atlanta, GA, uncles and aunts Benjamin (Julie) Campbell; Austin, TX, Reginald (Alice) Henry; Crestview, FL, David (Tanika) Blanding; Columbia, SC, Daniel (Theda) Blanding; Baltimore, Maryland, Lillian McLeod; Queens, NY, Sebrina (Raymond) Johnson; Summerton, SC, Carol (Ronald) Coombs; Manning, SC, Gwendolyn Washington; Cordova, CA, Beverly (Ollie) Gerald; Mint Hill, NC, Doris (Steve) Maule; Lumberton, NC, and a host of cousins, family and friends who adored him.

The Harris and Blanding family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Duke University, Providence Hospital, Palmetto Health Hospice, as well as their many friends and family for their support, outpouring of prayers, love and comfort.

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