This roadside cross represents the beginning of one of my non-artistic projects. When I moved to McKinney in November I noticed several roadside memorials prominently displayed around the city. I've seen lots of these in New Mexico and Arizona and here in Texas, too, but usually they're not smack dab in the middle of a residential area. This cross in particular spoke to me, as the deceased person was only a child, a nine-year-old boy. I decided to do some research, but so far the passage below, an obituary from an unnamed source, is all I've found. I'm hoping to investigate further when time allows.In the meantime, I imagine what might have happened. He was killed by a drunk driver; as only those memorials are allowed to remain by the Texas Highway Department. The apartment complex where this cross is placed is about a block away from a Movie Complex. Was he waiting for a ride one weekend night after watching a funny animated film? Did the driver come roaring around the gentle curve so fast he didn't see the little boy standing on the sidewalk? Maybe I'll find out some day. I guess my goal is to change these memorials from objects of curiosity into real people.
Dezmond Christopher Raney, born July 25, 1993, in McKinney, passed away suddenly Oct. 26, 2002, at the age of nine years. He was a student at Malvern Elementary School. He enjoyed many hobbies such as soccer and playing video games. He was also a proud big brother to Ethan.
He is survived by his parents Gus N. Raney and Christina Raney; brother Nathan Berrios; grandparents Ruby Berrios and Martin Hernandez, Domingo and Yolanda Berrios Sr.; aunts and uncles: Jessie Berrios, Paul Berrios, Domingo Berrios, Jr., Cynthia Berrios and Esmerelda Berrios; cousins: Jesse Berrios, Jr., Savanah Berrios, Paul Berrios, Jr. and Meranda Berrios. He is also survived by many friends and classmates at Malvern Elementary.
Services will be held 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 2002, at Belew Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James Haynes officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Cemetery in Allen. Visitation with the family will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been established at Bank Texas in Dezmond’s name, sponsored by Malvern Elementary School.
1 comment:
That is the correct obituary for this little boy, his mother's name is Christina Berrios and she lives in McKinney, Texas
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