Joey Brashier, Jr.

Bobby Joe Brashier Jr. - affectionately known as “Joey” - age 66, passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 30, 2024, at Highland home in Ridgeland. Born November 13, 1957, to Bob and Estelle Brashier. He spent most of his life living with his parents up until this last year he spent at Highland Home and a few years before in a group home sponsored by Hudspeth, when mom and dad could no longer care for him due to their/his declining health. 

When Joey was born, he was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. This diagnosis was not very positive. The doctors said even with surgery he might not live past 6 years of age. There were only 2 choices. Institution or surgery. His parents would not institutionalize him, so Joey began his journey of over the next 60 years with 25 brain surgeries plus a few other surgeries. He was the first baby to have successful brain surgery at UMMC in ‘57. 

Oh, how Joey lived!! He went to school, and he “graduated” from Willowood Developmental Center. From there, he was an employee at workshops in Jackson or Baton Rouge, depending on where his parents lived. All the while Joey’s mental capacity was never more than that of a 2-year-old. However, he was witty beyond belief. He had so many catch phrases and sayings that would make you laugh and think…“Wait a minute, is he really mentally handicapped?” 

The sacrificial love that Joey was constantly surrounded by saw his parents give and provide Joey in what gave him a love of life! Joey was the epitome of unconditional love. As his parents made sacrifices for him to have as normal life as possible, that love flowed in and out from Joey to the rest of the world in which he lived. 

Joey loved gospel music, especially Elvis’s Gospel recordings. He also loved stuffed clowns and various trinkets. Yet, one of his favorite things was his Bible. His dad would read scripture to Joey many days and Joey so enjoyed listening. His favorite verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” and he would quote it any chance he had! 

We shall miss him!! And will miss going by and spending time with him in the afternoons. Yet, one thing we cling to with our heart is that we know he is NO LONGER bound by his earthly handicaps. He has been HEALED, made WHOLE and he is in his ETERNAL HOME and we trust that Jesus met him at the heavenly gates with His Dad and they begin to rejoice! Amen! 

Joey is preceeded in death by both paternal and maternal grandparents and his father, Bobby Joe Brashier, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Mary Estelle Brashier, his brother, John (Lianne), niece, Courtney Brashier McCrory (Jacob) and nephews, Grant Brashier (Katiee) and Elliot Brashier. Numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be Friday, August 2, 2024, from 3-5 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. There will be a private family graveside service Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Big Creek Cemetary, Big Creek Baptist Church, Big Creek, MS.