Rhea County Elementary remembers Jo’zie Brown with balloon release

RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rhea County Elementary School held a balloon release on their football field to celebrate the life of Jo’zie Brown. He was a seven-year-old who was shot and killed on January 14.

Brown was more than just a football player and a teammate for the Rhea County Little Eagles, he was a best friend to many and had a joyful personality that was affectionate.

“It was love is love and to the end, and we wish it didn’t happen. But it was nothing like malicious… nothing on purpose. And that’s why we all believe in our hearts, and we truly love him, and we will miss him,” said Brown’s mother, Lakisha Jones.

Brown had dreams of playing in the NFL one day. He loved not only playing football but spending the best moments with the people that he loved most. So, Brown’s family wanted to give his teammates one last play with a balloon release to honor him.

“He very quickly became more than just my son’s teammate. He became my son’s friend. He became like a brother to my kids, and really like mine and my husband’s own kid,” said Bre Celinas.

The Little Eagles will take the field without one of their beloved teammates next year, but that doesn’t mean Brown’s family won’t be there cheering on their Little Eagles.

“We will always kids still continue to support the boys, especially his best friend over there. And you know we’re still going to root for them this year. We’ll be there still going to be here,” said Jones.

The Rhea County Little Eagles will retire Brown’s jersey, along with stickers on his teammates helmets that have his number, 00, so they will always take the field with their beloved teammate.