William Brandon Lee Whitaker

William Brandon Lee Whitaker, 17 years old, peacefully entered into the presence of Jesus on Thursday morning, April 13, 2023, while surrounded by the love of his family. Brandon’s last days were spent at Augusta University Medical Center where he and his family were treated with the utmost respect and dignity, and the family will forever be grateful for the kindness and professionalism exhibited by each member of the AUMC team.

Brandon was born in Augusta, Georgia on July 5, 2005, and spent the majority of his life in Elberton. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing that after a 14 year battle with mitochondrial disease, Brandon has been made whole and is celebrating with his grandparents who have gone on before him, Charles and Myrtle Pless. His kind soul and gentle spirit will be remembered forever by his devoted mother, Stacey Lynn Pless Collins of Elberton; step-father, Donnie Price of Bowman; siblings: Robert (Nikki Evans) Collins of Elberton, Tessa (Shane Wilburn) Collins of Elberton, Damien Whitaker of Augusta, Melanie Whitaker of Augusta, Cameron Whitaker of Augusta, Rayann Keigans of St. Petersburg, FL, and Christian Whitaker of Augusta; grandmothers: Charlotte Corley of Augusta and Marlene Newton of Elberton; nieces and nephews: Aubree Collins, Brooke Collins, Jase Collins, Hunter Collins, Rodney Wilburn, and Brandon Wilburn; uncle and aunt, Charlie Pless and Jamie Patterson of Elberton; and cousin, Bella Pless of Elberton.

As a toddler, he was into everything. Brandon could crawl faster on his knees than most people can walk on their feet. His “Big Bubba”, Robert, was his best friend and was perfect in Brandon’s eyes. He loved giving his big sister, Tessa, a hard time, especially tearing up her homework. Brandon loved being outdoors fishing, looking for snakes, and watching cars go by. He loved the sound of paper crinkling and received great pleasure from shredding paper. Brandon enjoyed watching football, NASCAR racing, Swamp People, and eating Doritos. He loved collecting hats, and would always steal your hat if you wore one around him.

Brandon was blessed with two teacher figures in his life, Mrs. Audrey Johnson and Mrs. Anne Fernandez. As a result of their steadfast dedication, he was currently in the eleventh grade.

The service celebrating Brandon’s life will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 12noon at Gaines Chapel Church, Cokesbury Highway, Hartwell, with the Rev. Tim Adams officiating. The family will gather at the church to meet friends at 11:00a.m. prior to the service.

In 2013, Brandon and his family were privileged to visit Disney World and Gator Land as part of the Give Kids The World Village. Due to the impact that this trip had on his life, Stacey’s request anyone wishing to honor Brandon’s memory to do so by contributing to this excellent organization. You may do so at www.gktw.org or by mail at 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. William Brandon Lee Whitaker.