The Brooklet community came together Sunday evening, June 1, at the Brooklet Recreation Department to honor the life of Emily Grace Mayo, a 9-year-old Brooklet Elementary student remembered for her kindness, bright spirit, and ability to make everyone around her feel loved.
Led by Elder Howard Rushing, the candlelight vigil gave family, teachers, classmates, and neighbors the opportunity to share memories, offer comfort, and reflect on the impact Emily had in her nine short years. One by one, those who knew her spoke of her daily hugs, handmade gifts, infectious smile, and habit of offering help to anyone who needed it—whether at school, in the neighborhood, or at home.
Educators from Brooklet Elementary shared how Emily brought joy into their classrooms, not through grand gestures, but through simple, consistent kindness. Her art and music teachers recalled how she once gave them necklaces she’d made, for no reason other than to brighten their day. Friends described her as a constant source of encouragement, while the school resource officer spoke about how her hugs had the power to lift spirits during tough days.
Her aunt, Amber Healy, read a poem she wrote in Emily’s memory titled Forever Nine, describing her as a light that filled every room and a joyful soul who made the most of each day.
In loving memory of Emily Grace- Forever Nine
By Aunt Amber
A smile that lit each room she went into
A warmth so bright, so pure, so true.
No stranger met without a grin,
A joyful heart that welcomed in.
Her laughter danced on every breeze,
A melody that aimed to please.
She wished for all to share her cheer,
Bringing happiness far and near.
With every step, she loved to dance,
In song and joy, she'd take her chance.
Cheering cousins and her sister with all her might,
A shining star, a guiding light.
Outdoors she'd roam with boundless glee,
On bike or scooter, wild and free.
Swimming waves in her backyard pool,
Running on her toes, making her own rules.
Filming fun for Gamma Page,
Sharing sunshine — life was her stage.
With friends she'd play on Roblox for days,
Sharing laughter in so many ways.
She loved rainbows, bright and wide,
Animals of every kind.
The simple things were all treasures in her mind.
Bracelets made with loving hands,
Nails polished bright and long at her commands.
"Hey Pookie!" or “Hey Bestie!” calls,
Her words like sunshine through the halls.
“Slay queen!” she'd say with pride,
A spirit so fierce none could hide.
Emily, so warm and true,
We miss you more than words can do.
Now she dances in the skies,
Among the clouds where angels fly.
Her light shines brighter than before,
A joyful heart forever roars.
Forever cherished, held so tight,
Your memory shines in endless light.
Though you're gone, your love remains,
A beacon through our joys and pains.
The evening closed with a candle lighting and group singing of “Amazing Grace.”
Several community events are planned this week to support the Mayo and Badgett families:
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A fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Statesboro is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, from 3 to 10 p.m., featuring a bake sale and flower sale. Volunteers are still needed to help staff both tables. To sign up, visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4CADAC2FAAFF2-57135954-emilys.
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A breakfast fundraiser at Longhorn Steakhouse is planned for Saturday June 7th from 8am to 11am to benefit both Emily's family and the family of Landyn Wilkerson. It will be a $15 all you can eat buffett.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the many individuals and groups who made Sunday’s vigil possible, including Brooklet Police, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Brooklet Elementary School, Dee Cosby and Bulloch County Recreation and Parks, Chairman David Bennett, and local churches that helped provide candles when supplies ran low.
The Grice Connect team is remembering Emily Grace as her family holds her memorial service on June 3, 2025, with Elder Howard Rushing officiating. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements, and the community may sign the online guestbook at www.joineranderson.com.
Emily’s family and friends continue to ask for the community’s support—not only through donations and by showing up, but also through acts of kindness and love, the very things that defined Emily’s short but meaningful life.
