Obituary: Jeremiah Maurice Love

Jeremiah Maurice Love, age 12, gained his heavenly healing after a courageous five-year battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his loving family. His journey on this earth may have been brief, but the impact he left behind is everlasting.

Jeremiah had a heart full of love and a spirit that could lift anyone’s day. He was a devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Ohio State football, and the Atlanta Braves. His favorite moments were spent with his family—teasing his three sisters with his playful spirit and trading good-natured smack talk with his brothers-in-law. His laughter was contagious, and his smile could light up any room. His beautiful curls were loved by everyone, always smelling just as sweet as his soul.

Jeremiah’s strength and grace through adversity taught those around him the power of resilience. He showed us how to smile through the hardest days and find joy in the simplest moments. His courage and positivity will continue to inspire everyone who knew him.

Although he is no longer with us, we choose to let Jeremiah’s light shine on, remembering his smile, his strength, and his boundless love. His life was a blessing, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him.

“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, David Rayburn and Carl Jones.

Jeremiah is survived by his mom and dad, Mandy and Joel Martenn; and his father, Edward Love; sisters, Cassie (Hunter) Martin, Caitlyn (Levi) Dodd, Taylor (Travis) Autry, Sadie Gill, Abby (Tyler) Hannah; brothers, Jordan Kennerly, Trenton Kennerly, Isaac (Abbie) Martenn; grandparents, Brenda (David) Bowman, Bud (Jeannie) Martenn, and Dar Jones; and nieces and nephews, Weslyn, Cayleigh, Luke, Bryleigh, Greysen, Gunner, Harper, Hudsen, Haysen Hunter, and Fischer.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the LaFayette First Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Rayburn officiating. Jeremiah will lie in state from 1 p.m. to the hour of service at the church.

Interment will follow in the LaFayette City Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Trenton Kennerly, Jordan Kennerly, Luke Hayes, Laik Rayburn, Bryson Cleghorn, Brycen Kilgo, and Jayden Jones.

Honorary pallbearers are Travis Autry, Hunter Martin, and Levi Dodd.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, at the funeral home.

For those wishing to honor Jeremiah, the family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his honor to the Bank of LaFayette Jeremiah Love Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.