Kanyon Simien, Deacon

Deacon Kanyon Simien, 20, of Elgin, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020.  His casket will lie in state at the Elgin Funeral Home on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A private Home Going Celebration will be conducted at Weeping Willow Missionary Baptist Church of McDade, Saturday, July 18th at 10:00 AM with the Reverend Justin Green presiding.  Interment will follow at Littig Cemetery, Manor.

On Thursday Oct, 21, 1999 the Lord blessed Kerry Lynn Simien Sr. and Velma Smith with their second bundle of joy and they named him Kanyon Lee Simien.

Kanyon accepted Christ at an early age and continued to grow and mature his relationship with Christ throughout his life. Kanyon was faithful and on fire for the Lord, always dedicated and willing to serve on his post, regardless of how he felt, with a full smile on his face.

Kanyon filled many roles in the church, in the Choir and the Junior Usher Board. Kanyon was ordained a Junior Deacon at Weeping Willow Baptist Church in October of 2018, serving until his health no longer permitted him to fill his roles. Kanyon was faithful and devoted to Wednesday night youth worship with the Lexington First Baptist Church.

Kanyon attended school at the Elgin Public Schools before graduating from Lexington High School in 2019. Kanyon played football, basketball, tennis and track and field events where the coaches named him “Wicked Cricket”. Kanyon loved the outdoors, and was an avid fisherman who would sit at a tank from sun up to sun down. Kanyon was a former Cub Scout.

Kanyon was known to leave a lasting impression on all with whom he came in contact. His charm, charisma, jokes, warm chuckles and lasting friendships always offered endless love, support, and the joy of Jesus to all he met.

After a sports injury Kanyon was diagnosed with a rare form of Sarcoma Cancer. Fighting with a courageous faith Kanyon never let this change his way of living, his dreams, or his exitance and will to achieve all that he set out to do.

Kanyon was preceded in death by his grandparents: William Edward Smith, Wilkie Lee Tanksley, Freda Simien, Ross Hill, a Lue Velma Owens. A Sister: Roshonda Gaiter.

Kanyon leaves to cherish his memories: Father: Kerry Simien Sr, Parents: Velma and Donald Gaiter, Brothers: Kerry Lynn Simien Jr, and Hezekiah Smith. Sister: Taniya, and Kerigan Simien, Yanina Larkins (Russell II), Shalanthia Lewis (Max), and Joana Caldwell (Byron). Grandmother: Betty Tanksley, Special Care Takers: Aunt Shirley “Connie” Lewis, Uncle George & Aunt Tracie Smith. Uncle: Brent Tanksley (Rosetta), Aunt: Christina Smith.  Kanyon also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and loved ones on whom he left a lasting impression!