Savion Jerard Brown: a life worth celebrating

Savion Jerard Brown (Photo via Khadijah Salam)

Claflin University lost a light and a Claflinite on Oct. 26, Savion Jerard Brown.

Brown, 21, who died Oct. 26, 2025, after he collapsed in the school’s gymnasium, was more than just a senior computer science major. He was a son, a friend and a classmate loved by many and respected by most.

“His energy and love for life were refreshing. He could turn watching paint dry into a hangout session you didn't want to end, and his magnetic energy could bring a community together to watch paint dry with you,” said Khadijah Salam, a senior biology major.

The Charlotte, NC, resident was often described as a light in his community, even by those who did not know him personally.  

“If I had to choose one word to describe Savion, it would be selfless,” Salam said. “He always wanted nothing but the best for everyone in his life and would push you to reach your highest potential.”

“Savion’s spirit was truly beautiful,” said Jada Williams, a senior early childhood education major. “When I hated Claflin and wanted to transfer, he became the reason I stayed.”

“One thing I think a lot of people can remember is how funny he was. Always made people laugh, always made people have a good time,” Caleb Akintayo, a senior computer science major, said.  

Despite his cheerful and positive attitude, Brown was always the one to keep it real with everyone.

“There weren’t too many serious moments, but when there were, he always said what was on his mind because he always believed in keeping it real no matter what,” said Paul Smith, a senior sports management major. “That’s why I believe none of us have any regrets about our time spent with him.”  

He was also the “glue of the friend group,” always keeping people together and in harmony with each other.

“He brought everyone together,” Smith said. “His room was like home base here at Claflin, where most good moments went down.”  

“Savion was always the light in our friend group, always the one we could turn to when we needed something -- whether it was a place to decompress, someone to eat with, play or watch the game, or even play basketball with,” Williams said. 

“My favorite memory was going to the café and debating about anything,” Isiah Means, a senior political science major, said. “No matter what the topic was or what the majority of people at the table would say or think, he would always disagree.”  

 “We would stay ‘til the café closed to try and get Savion to agree or change his opinion. It never worked,” Means said.

Savion had a bright future ahead of him. He was an active member of the computer science community with aspirations to have a career in software engineering.

He was also active in other organizations such as NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) and Friends of the Earth.  

Outside of the classroom, Savion tutored STEM students, loved adventure, video games and basketball.    

He was a music enthusiast who wrote and produced a few rap songs.

Even though he is no longer here in person, Savion's spirit and legacy will live on.

“Savion was a good friend of mine and I’m glad we got to share these memories,” Means said.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the time I got to spend with him,” Smith said.  

“If I knew he would leave early, I wouldn’t change a thing, I would still choose to spend the time with him that I have because he has impacted my life in an unforgettably positive way,” Salam said.

His joy, his legacy

Funeral services for Savion were held in the W.V. Middleton Auditorium on Nov. 2.  Family, friends and community delivered eulogies that continued to speak to Brown’s positive impact.

Monica Green, vice president of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, described him as a loving person.

“When we think about Savion, the first thing that comes to mind is his kindness, his warmth and his gentle spirit,” Green said. “He loved quietly and he loved deeply.”  

Brown was a member of the honors college set to graduate alongside the class of 2026 in May. He was a third-generation Claflin student.

Brown’s parents were presented with an honors college senior lapel pin in his honor, a symbol of his academic excellence and leadership. Green encouraged the room to carry Brown’s legacy with them.

“Though his time here feels unbelievably short, the impact he made was lasting,” Green said. “The way he treated people was his legacy, the joy he shared was his legacy, the love he gave so freely that was Savion’s legacy.”

Akintayo spoke for his closest friends at Claflin. He said their friendship started with a game of 2K.  

“The five of us were the people that he spent the most time with on this campus,” Akintayo said. “In fact, the running joke around Claflin was that if you saw one of us, the rest were not far behind.”