Obituary of Josiah Coulter Cruzat

Josiah Coulter Cruzat was born on June 22, 2004 and transitioned on March 13, 2023. Josiah was carefully named after the righteous biblical king who brought the focus of His people back to the one True God. He is the Beloved Son of Kenya Bryant and John Cruzat.  Josiah is also the brother of Victor, Jessica, Sylvia Tsion, Gabriel Anthony, Shelby and Cameron. He was a beloved grandson, nephew, family member, and friend. 

From the moment he opened his eyes and was held in his fathers’ hands, the love and joy that emanated from his beautiful eyes reminded us of how blessed our family is and the legacy of righteousness this child would extend through the generations!

His childhood was full of warmth and affection…a professional cuddler who instinctively knew, even at a young age, the power and necessity of a Real Hug, a Soft Kiss on the cheek and a Kind Word of sincere encouragement from his heart of hearts.

Josiah graduated from Hayfield Secondary High School in Alexandria, Virginia in June 2022 where he was loved by everyone from the principal to the cafeteria workers. Josiah was a creative, an entrepreneur and the founder of Crooked Smiles, a brand that demonstrated his sensitivity to mental health, his own pain and that of his generation.  He felt their hearts and exemplified a heightened inclusivity of everyone and a unique passion for the underdog. 

His life was - and is - a vivid light and source of unending joy and struggle, so full of love and depth of insight. He modeled compassion and loyalty and demonstrated his love for us and so many others consistently through words of encouragement and acts of selfless service.  Josiah showed determination in everything he put his hands to including mental health, his brand, sports, friendship, and even the dogs that he loved so well, especially Ladi.  

In his 18 years, Josiah accomplished much including being featured in NY Fashion Week, receiving a modeling contract with J.A.G. as well as carrying his design team to second place in the school district’s entrepreneurship showcase.  Josiah had a ravenous appetite for life as well as food!  There was no egg or gallon of milk beyond his reach.  

He has brought our focus back to you now Heavenly Father, as we pay tribute to his life and say a temporary farewell to Your precious gift with gratitude for the time we had with him.

There could be books written about the positive impact you’ve had on all of us. We love you and look forward to a warm reunion on those heavenly shores where all tears are wiped from our eyes, where there is no more pain or sorrow. We’ll meet you there Son after we continue our righteous struggle to serve our God and bless His people.

“Thank you for loving us and being among us for as long as you could…you will never be forgotten.”
-Beloved Family

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Josiah's name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://supporting.afsp.org/