CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Under a white canopy tent in Clarksville, the family and friends of young Dylan Lawrence gathered to say goodbye.
Dylan died on June 25 at 17 years old, six months and nine days after he was diagnosed with DIPG, or a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumor. He just barely passed the average life expectancy after a diagnosis with DIPG.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, a massive procession headed down Madison Street from Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, led Clarksville Police patrol vehicles and about 30 motorcycles.
Cars decorated with sea turtles and music notes followed the motorcade onto U.S. Highway 41A to a private location in the Shady Grove area, where a white canopy tent stood.
Round tables and cheery attitudes made it clear that this event was more than just a farewell – something Dylan expressed he wanted for his friends and family before his death – which is why he wanted his memorial titled “Dylan’s Worst Party Ever.”
The hearse was then unloaded, revealing Dylan’s urn, decorated with his beloved sea turtles. His black bass guitar had been set up in front of the lectern. Opening comments were made by Barry Kitterman of the Unitarian Universalist Church, followed by speeches from family and friends.
Dylan’s mother, Heather Fox, read a few poems to a teary audience. Madison Wood, a good friend of Dylan’s, shared funny memories of him, bringing in much-needed comedic relief. She also named several lifelong lessons her friendship with Dylan taught her over the years.
Along with the family and friends, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and his wife Cynthia were in attendance, as well as state Rep. Jason Hodges and several uniformed Clarksville Police officers.
Susan Lawrence, Dylan’s “bonus mom,” returned to the lectern to read a passage from one of Dylan’s journals with his advice to those who are looking for answers in his death.
“Lastly, I’m glad it’s me, and not someone I care about. I’ll throw up every day if it means my family, friends never have to,” Dylan wrote.
“I chose this page because it best reflects who he was as a person,” Susan said.
“Even in the middle of the greatest struggle imaginable, at the young age of 17, he had the courage, he had the generosity, and he had the sweet spirit to be grateful for the time that he had – to treasure the people who loved him and to let us treasure him, and to want to make a difference on all of us sitting here and as far and as wide as his voice was spread,” Susan said.
The speeches were followed by a slideshow of photos of Dylan. The moment the slideshow ended, a large crack of thunder rang out, and there were several gasps from attendees.
It marked the end of the sunshine, but also the end of the worst portion of “Dylan’s Worst Party Ever.”
Then the sky opened, it began pouring rain, and the laughter, too, began to flow.