Donzay Demetrion Alexander Price

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Donzay Demetrion Alexander Price on June 4, 2026, at the age of 20.

Donzay was born on September 5, 2005, to Juan Price and Charity Harlan. Throughout his life, he was blessed to be loved by many people, including a third parent who stepped in and stepped up when life demanded it. Though biologically his aunt, Gillian Marks became another mother to him in every way that mattered, helping to raise him, guide him, and love him fiercely through every season of his life.

From the very beginning, Donzay kept everyone on their toes. He earned the nickname “Runaway Kid,” because standing still simply wasn’t in his nature. As a young child, he could disappear down the street in the blink of an eye if an adult looked away for even a second. We joked that children like Donzay were probably the reason child safety leashes were invented. As he grew older, his running took on different forms, but there was always one thing pulling at his heart: a deep desire to be with his bio mother. No matter where life carried him, that longing remained a constant part of his story.

Over the years, many labels, diagnoses, and explanations were placed upon him, but those who truly knew Donzay understood that he was far more than any diagnosis. He was intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, and wonderfully silly. He had a gift for making people laugh and an instinct for helping others, especially strangers who needed kindness. He often used humor to hide his own fears and insecurities, carrying burdens that many people never fully saw.

Donzay preferred meaningful one-on-one connections over large groups. Some of his favorite moments were simple outings and special “mommy and me” time, which often served as the perfect motivation for getting through difficult days at school. More than rewards, those moments gave him something he treasured deeply: undivided attention and connection.

He possessed a curious mind and asked questions far beyond his years. One childhood conversation became a family favorite when his relentless questioning forced an early discussion about Santa Claus. Donzay needed answers. How could one man travel around the entire world in a single night? How did he know who was naughty or nice? How could he enter homes without chimneys when the doors and windows were locked? And perhaps most importantly, why wasn’t he arrested for breaking and entering? Though he eventually learned the truth, Donzay later chose to believe in the magic again, deciding that the wonder of the story and the promise of presents were worth suspending disbelief.

Like many young people, Donzay spent much of his life searching for acceptance, belonging, and love. Not growing up with his parents created wounds that were difficult to navigate, even when love was being offered. Yet through every challenge, one truth remained unchanged: he was loved. He held a very special place in the heart of many, especially his Tete Nema who would answer his calls no matter what time of night it was and listen to him vent, laugh, joke, or whatever he needed at the time.

Just hours before his passing, Donzay was talking excitedly about the future. With his 21st birthday only three months away, he was looking forward to finally being old enough to go out and have a drink with his mom. Like so many plans left unfinished, that milestone will remain a bittersweet memory of the future he was eagerly anticipating.

Though his time with us was far too short, Donzay leaves behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, stories, questions, and love. Those who knew him will remember his bright smile, his adventurous spirit, his compassionate heart, and the unforgettable energy that made him uniquely himself. Donzay’s story does not end with the struggles he faced. It lives on in the people who loved him, the lives he touched, and the memories that will forever remain in our hearts.

Donzay was preceded in death by his grandmother, Cynthia Price; grandfather, Orlando Matthews; and his Papaw, Otis Griffin.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory - his parents: Gillian Marks, Charity Harlan (Marcus), and Juan Price; four siblings: Xaviera Price (William), KristiAnna Smith, Jai-Lynne Dotson, and Micah Pruitt; great-grandparents, Albert and Ann Price; his “granny”, Barbara Daniels; grandpa, Jazz Wright (Julie); grandmother, Cynthia Harlan; 11 aunts; 13 uncles; and a host of cousins, friends, and other family members.