In Memory of Jaznee Marbury

"Jaz"

Jaznee Marbury - "Jaz" to all who knew her - was a popular, outgoing teenager whose life veered sharply away from normal in March of 2010, when she was diagnosed with a fast-moving form of liver cancer. Although her condition was grave, Jaz's mother Letitia Marbury Hubbard did what any parent would do - she pushed the doctors to try anything to eradicate or slow the cancer. After just one round of chemotherapy, Jaz's liver failed and, in June 2010, she and Letitia accepted care from Visiting Nurse Hospice Atlanta. "Jaz was a larger-than-life 16 year old. You never want to think about your child leaving you; you never want to think it will be your family who needs hospice," explained Letitia.

Mother & Daughter

Always close, Letitia and Jaz grew even closer as they worked to grasp each moment with as much energy as Jaz could muster. Letitia fast tracked a Make a Dream application, and the whole family enjoyed a 7-day Caribbean cruise in June - while Jaz still felt reasonably well. "I did not want to think about or talk about her dying. I wanted to LIVE with her," said Letitia. "Denise, our Hospice Atlanta counselor, did talk to Jaz about being terminally ill, and she answered her questions or just sat with her. Denise and Margaret, Jaz's favorite nurse, became like family to us," she added.

As summer 2010 turned to fall, Letitia and Jaz continued to live as naturally as possible. Letitia's leave from work was limited, so she went to the office on most days. Jaz fervently wanted to return to school for the start of her junior year, something she was able to do for almost two weeks before she weakened in late August.

"I Won't Complain"

"Even as she got very, very sick, Jaz never once complained," said Letita. "All of her family, friends and schoolmates were so inspired. We all wore orange to her funeral because she was always positive and she loved bright, cheerful colors," she added. Jaz passed away on October 6, 2010, just a few weeks after her 17th birthday. Her school created a $1,000 college scholarship in her name and asked Letitia to walk in the graduation ceremony of Jaz's class of 2012. "Even though she really only completed 10th grade, she had enough credits to graduate," said Letitia. "She was an unforgettable girl, and I think she knows we all are so proud of her."

Homegoing

On Friday, September 24,1993, God gave the world an angel to be named Jaznee”Jaz” Marbury. A smile immediately came over a young mother’s face in an Atlanta hospital as she looked upon her beautiful baby girl for the first time. The Marbury family was overjoyed and blessed.

Jaznee was a happy and giving child. She enjoyed playing, laughing and being a girly, girl. As she grew up, she became interested in cheerleading. Her first experience as a cheerleader was at Kemp Elementary School in Hampton, GA. She continued to pursue her passion for cheering during middle school and high school in the Lovejoy school district. Her role model was her older sister, Sucandra, who was also a cheerleader.

Jaz was a born leader, organizer and servant. She served in various leadership roles during her short life; such as captain of the Panhandler Cheer Squad and president of the Ladies in Meeting club. Jaz was also a talented singer and dancer and regularly participated in school and local talent showcases. At LoveJoy Middle School she was elected "Most Popular" of her class. In addition, Jaznee was a Christian and loved God with all her heart. She was a faithful member of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Riverdale, GA.

Jaznee was an individual whom people just gravitated toward. She had tons of friends and extended family. She constantly received praise from teachers, school administrators, and her church family. There was one individual who Jaznee celebrated as her true inspiration and mentor, Dr. Keith Colbert, Principal of Lovejoy Middle School and Lovejoy High School.

During Jaznee’ s 2008-2009 school year, she was diagnosed with liver cancer. Jaz was determined to not let her illness keep her from living a full and joyous life. Her goal was to live everyday like it was her last and enjoy each day fully. She continued to attend school at Lovejoy High until her health would no longer allow her to push pass the pain and fatigue. From this point forward, she was homeschooled. During the summer of 2010, the Make A Wish Foundation sent Jaznee and her immediate family on a 8 days 7 night cruise to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St Martin in the Caribbean on the Celebrity X Royal Caribbean cruise line. Jaz had a wonderful time. Later that summer she met her musical icon, R&B singer Monica. She was overjoyed with excitement and pleasure.

On September 24, 2010, Jaz celebrated her 17th birthday with her entire family and friends at home. She was fragile, but was able to enjoy herself. Unfortunately, this proved to be her last birthday. On October 6, 2010, the heavens welcomed Jaznee Marbury home.

Lovejoy High School administration and the class of 2012 for Lovejoy High School presented an honorary diploma to Jaznee’s mother, Letitia Hubbard, as she marched across the stage in her daughter’s place. She was gone, but not forgotten. Jaznee’s mother has established the “Jaznee Marbury Scholarship" in her honor to assist graduating seniors from Lovejoy High School with scholarships as they pursue higher education. Jaznee lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew her.