Remembering CJ

On April 4, 2021, at the tender age of 14, CJ went home to be with the Lord, after a tragic accident. CJ was born June 11, 2006, in Miami, Florida to proud parents Cedrick Harris, Sr. and Marie Ferdinand Harris. CJ was a bright, 8th grade student at Ashdown Jr. High School in Ashdown, Arkansas. He was not your average 14-year-old! CJ was a loving young man, exceptionally talented with a heart of gold. He was extremely kind- hearted and left a lasting impression on everyone he met!

CJ had a genuine love for people. Even though he was a star athlete, honor roll student, a member of the student council, and one of the most popular kids in school, CJ was drawn to the unpopular kids who needed a friend... He always took the time to make sure everyone felt important and like they mattered. One of CJ’s best qualities was the humility that he possessed. He was not attracted to worldly things, and he did not like the attention that came along with being an exceptional athlete. Instead, he had a way of shifting that attention into positivity that was reflected in those around him. CJ was always looking to inspire and effectuate change in others. CJ excelled in sports. Especially football, baseball, and basketball!! He was a natural athlete! He inherited those gifts from his parents who were both All-American athletes at LSU and went on to play professionally. CJ’s parents recognized his talents at an early age. They instilled in him from the very beginning that in our family, sports is what we do, but it’s not who we are... CJ will be forever remembered as the superstar athlete who had the potential to play professionally in whichever sport he chose. But the best part about CJ was not his athletic ability. It was his character.

CJ was well-mannered and humble, an inspirational leader, and a difference maker! He was truly one of a kind. He wanted people to know and remember his name, not just in sports but also for being a kind and loving person. CJ made a lasting impact and impression on so many lives in only 14 short years on earth. He was truly heaven-sent and an angel in the eyes of many. The loss of CJ has left a tremendous void in the lives of all that knew and loved him. Cedrick, Marie, his loving brothers, and the entire family find comfort in their faith and the promise of seeing him again one day. In the meantime, we can all, young and old, strive to #BeLikeCJ by being the best version of ourselves and treating others the way we want to be treated. This will make the world a much better place for all of us.

Love & Blessings, Marie