Joshua Anthony Perez, a long-time resident of Luling, went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2018 leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family and all those who knew and loved him.
Joshua was born in Houma, La., on April 16, 1993, to Diana Perez and Frank Mitchell.
Joshua had a strong spirit, and, throughout his life, he fought to overcome the many challenges that life brought him.
Although he was tethered to a ventilator as a baby, Joshua learned to crawl and walk. Eventually, Joshua decreased his dependence on the ventilator.
When Joshua became deaf at the age of three, he learned to communicate in his own unique way, and, despite having a developmental disorder, Joshua developed loving and lasting relationships with family, friends, and caregivers. He attended school in St. Charles Parish and graduated from Hahnville High School in 2014.
He went on to attend the ARC of St. Charles and participated in activities there. Although Joshua’s spirit remained strong until the end, his body succumbed to the fight.
Joshua is survived by his mother, Diana Perez; his father, Frank Mitchell; his sister Ashley Perez; his grandparents Mike and Mary Popp; his grandmother Patricia Ballard; his aunt and uncle Kristina and Morris Harris; his aunt Nicole Popp; his aunt Ophelia Thomas; his cousins: Keera, Kylee, and Miguel Harris and Brayden Popp; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins.
There were many people over the years who helped take care of Joshua and provided our family with support; too many to name them all. However, we would like to say a special thank you to a few who went above and beyond the call of duty.
The people at the Ventilator Assisted Care Program at Children’s Hospital, especially Shirley, Sharon, Kathy, and Leila; the nurses and doctors at Children’s Hospital, especially Dr. Levine, and at the LSU Health Clinic; the home health nurses, especially Betty, Barbara, and Asheena; the teachers, paraeducators, and bus drivers from St. Charles Parish Public Schools, especially Mr. Vinnett; the caregivers from the ARC of St. Charles, especially Arlinda, Renita, Rachel, and Trina; and, last but not least, the people who provided medical supplies from Breathing Care Medical Services, especially Lori and Bob.
Josh and our family couldn’t have made it this long without all your help.
Services were held Sept. 1. A prayer service followed visitation.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.HCAlexanderFuneralHome.com.
Be the first to comment