Ariez Arieon Eldridge

On April 30th 2001 our  baby was gifted to us. Ariez Arieon Eldridge was  born to her loving parents, LaNeisha and Demetrics, and a host of excited family members. Arriving as LaNeisha and Demetrics' youngest child and only daughter, they were undoubtedly in love with the latest addition to their family. In Ariez's early years, it was evident to all who knew her that she was a star, and well into her adulthood, Ariez possessed a light that would brighten any room.  Ariez could be described as charismatic steadfast, ambitious, and determined. These are traits that would follow her forever.

As a child, Ariez was bubbly, outgoing, free spirited, and full of life and light. Adorned with an infectious smile, and a fearless spirit, Ariez always stood out. Unafraid to speak up for herself and those around her,  it was clear that she would be a force to be reckoned with. Ariez had a unique ability to connect with others, she possessed a softness that could make a new found friend feel like they'd been friends for a lifetime. And, ever the animal lover, she could always be found nurturing, fostering, and loving any animal that crossed her path. Growing into a teen and eventual adult Ariez had an unmistakable energy that made people gravitate to her. From her looks, to her style, and down to her sweet natured heart, Ariez was an experience. And too experience her, was certainly blessing.

Yearning for a family of her own, Ariez became a mother at 21. Giving birth to her beautiful son Geovanni Alexander gave Ariez a new, brighter and broader perspective of life. As she settled into motherhood, she began to love newly found parts of herself. She discovered her ability to love without boundary, and was learning to navigate the world with intensified purpose. She began to understand  the power of unity and family, and adopted a strong set of values she wanted to instill in her son. A loving, devoted mother, Ariez often talked about the life she wanted to give Geovanni, and the hopes and dreams she had for herself. Before Ariez departed this earth, she took comfort in knowing she had a village surrounding her, dedicated to helping her every step of the way, and rested on the fact that Geovanni would always be taken care of.

Now, left to carry her legacy of love is her son Geovanni,  her mother and father LaNeisha and Demetrics, her  brothers Shawn and DJ, her loving great grandmother Ruby, and her Nana. As well as a number of aunts and uncles, her nephew, and cousins. As well as her longtime friends. It is with every ounce of love that we send her off to our heavenly Father. Our beloved Ariez Arieon Eldridge we love you with the intensity of a thousand burning suns. You will undoubtedly be missed, until we meet again

Letters to Ariez:

My beloved daughter, Ariez Arieon..my bubba:

This is unreal that I have to write these words to you. I have really been contemplating my words, I want them to represent and embody my true feelings for you. You have been the brightest light in my galaxy for the last 22 years. I have been so blessed to call you daughter and best friend. I really don’t know what I'm going to do without you. You have the biggest smile and the most radiant energy that I have ever come across. I will truly miss you my beloved. I know now, all I can do is be the best person for your "Sonshine" (insider). I will raise your son with love, he will know you. This world was not kind to you, and I'm so elated the you finally get the peace you were searching for. You know, you gave me so much courage and strength to live, and I want to always honor you. When you were a child, you asked to be baptized with your brother, and cousin Darius, and I know you are where you're supposed to be. It just hurts so bad to see you leave. Jesus said to her "I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die will never die." -John 11:25-26 "He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm-147:3 "For none of us lives as ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone" Romans-14:7

Till we meet again my sweet daughter. I will raise your son with the same love and tenaciousness I have for you.

Forever my heart,

Your mom

Ladybug,

I miss you so much. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Everyone says you get your strength from me, and for the first time in my life I feel broken. All I can do is ask myself, "what would you do?" I close my eyes, listen, and hear you say "Get up Dad and keep it pushing!" Baby girl, I would do anything to trade places with you. I wish I could see that bright smile, hear your sweet love, or just to hear you call me dad one more time. You are the meaning of pure love and deserve peace. Go be with Granny, and be the diamond she aways called you, and that we all knew you were. See you when I get there

Love, Dad

Ariez,

 there are so many things I wish I could tell you, and it hurts me that there just isn't anymore time to do it. I'm going to carry these thoughts with me for the rest of my life. Ill share my thoughts with you when were together again, and talk about the life we all came together to give your son. I promise that he'll grow up loved, he'll grow up with my son. He'll never want for love and affection. I love you sister, and I'll show you that through your son. I hope knowing that, and seeing that from where you are gives you peace. This family will take care of him, and I promise you, he will know and love his mother. I love you so much Ariez

Shawn

Ariez,

As a toddler you came to my house almost everyday. You'd come inside, get to the stairs, and yell "Grandma!!! I'm home!!!" I was with you the Sunday you were baptized, so now I know you're now saying that to the Lord…in your real home. I will see you again.

Love you always,

Grandma

Heaven has gained the most beautiful soul. Lord I thank you for sharing my granddaughter with me. I am truly grateful. Ariez, your beautiful smile would light up a room. I will love and miss you until we meet again. Your spirit will live in my heart forever. I find comfort in knowing you are in the hands of the Lord. I'm thankful for your precious free spirit, and I will forever cherish you. I am so honored to be your Grandmother, my precious Granddaughter. Ariez, God loaned you to me, and you will continue to live in my heart for eternity. I love you baby girl!

Nana

My sweet beautiful niece Ariez. Oh how you light up a room with your confident presence and beautiful smile. When I think about you, so many words come to the forefront. Loving mother, loyal, will hold it down for what and who she believes in. Also that fashionista flare that you stayed slaying! You were a special gift to this family, and your sweet son Geo will know his mother guaranteed! I love you so much, this really hurts..

Love,

Auntie Neise

On this day, I'd like to humbly honor my niece, Ariez Eldridge. You were just starting life. A new, awesome mom to little Geovanni. You, along with your brother Shawn were the delight of your mothers eye. You will be surely missed by all of us.

Uncle Darrell

To my sweet little cousin Ariez,

It pains me that I have to write to you under such tragic circumstances, but I know your soul is at peace. I wish I was able to spend more time with you, but I wont hold on to the "what ifs". What I will hold on to, are the memories we have together growing up. You were a beautiful happy baby, and  grew to be a beautiful woman. I am so grateful that I was able to spend those precious years so close to you. I look forward to being apart of your beautiful baby boy's life. Ill always miss you, and ill always love you Ariez, until I see you again.

Ashley

I miss you so much sissy, its so unreal. You will forever and always be my one and only little sister. I got mom and Geo forever…see you later, its never goodbye

Monisha

Ariez, my childhood friend, I love you so much. You have such a beautiful soul, I will never find anyone with a heart like yours. And for that, I will forever appreciate you.

Always and forever in my heart,

Iyanna

A soulmate doesn’t always have to be a lover, sometimes it’s a best friend. You bring out the best in me. Weve seen the good, bad, pretty, and ugly of each other. Weve told each other our deepest secrets, spent months at a time just enjoying each others company, and have always been there for one another. Thank you for sticking around, thank you for loving me, thank you for being you. I love you Ariez

Taylor

Hey Ariez! Hey my conrad!

I cant wait to sit on the beach with you while the boys run around and play. I cant wait to talk about the things we forgot to say. You're my sister from another mother, I love you like no other. Thank you for always being here, I'll see you soon,

Bree

Hey beautiful Ariez! Hey my brace-face!

I miss you pretty face. Every moment we spent together was a matter to my heart girl, and you know it! You knew when it came down to anything, you knew the scoreboard. Thank you for always being around, and being the baddest B  you’ve always been. Ariez, I love you deeply. See you soon…

Kesha

Ariez,

You are one of the most beautiful friends I have. Every moment we spent together, you would always light the room up with your personality and smile. We love you and Geo so much, you're like family to me and my kids. I appreciate every moment we have together, forever Ariez.

Forever loving. Illissya

Dear Ariez,

I remember when I was over at your house, and you did my makeup. I still have the pictures and videos from that day. You made me feel so happy and pretty, and just hanging out with my big cousin felt the best. I love you so much and cant wait to see you again .

Love, Kassidy

My sweet Froto,

There is no part of me that feels we left anything unsaid between us.  We shared locations,  passwords, and exchanged "I love you" almost daily.  We made Phone calls and sent texts just to say hi, and had every conversation there was to have about Geo. We talked about life, and giggled and gossiped like cousins do. Since you were a baby, I always knew that I would do anything for you. When you asked me to be Geo's god mommy I knew in that moment, my love for you had translated perfectly. In that moment, I knew YOU understood that I would do anything for you. You saw to it that our bond  would  transcend  you and I, and that it would go on to include your sweet son. Ariez, I made  specific promises to you, and I intend to keep every single one…starting with Geovanni! Stay close baby girl and watch us do our big one… for you and your son!

I look forward to seeing that big smile of yours again. I look forward to hearing you say "Heyyyy Faray"! Until then keep sending those fireworks.

I love you infinitely, and eternally

Sharay