Max Sheppard Burnett Brown, age 14, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 19, 2011 (His Nannie's Birthday), Max brought light, laughter, and an unmistakable spark to everyone who knew him. He was truly one of a kind, hilarious, warm-hearted, and fearless in ways that inspired even the adults around him. Max never met a stranger. Whether he was cracking a perfectly timed joke or sitting beside someone to make sure they didn't have to eat alone, he made people feel seen and loved.

Max had a deep love for horror films and superheroes alike. He could often be found creeping through the house in his Freddy Krueger hat with his "knives for fingers," trying to scare his sisters—usually with great success. Yet, for all his love of the spooky, he had one tiny fear of his own: gnats.

He found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. He loved video-gaming with his dad. Weekly "delicious breakfasts" with his Mimi and Poppie were among his favorite traditions, often followed by golf cart rides cruising around town. Max was a creature of habit, loyal to the small comforts that made him feel at home—whether it was Ne-Ma's pasta, Poppie's beef noodles, or sausage biscuits made by his big sister when she came home from college.

Max had a servant's heart. He loved helping at God's Storehouse Soup Kitchen, where he would sit and talk with others, so no one had to eat alone. His compassion extended far beyond his years. Even through his illness, Max showed extraordinary bravery. He never complained about taking his medicine or undergoing treatments. Instead, he comforted others—often helping to show scared children that procedures weren't as frightening as they seemed.

His faith was simple and beautiful. Max often said that Jesus lived in his heart and in the clouds, a reflection of the quiet strength and peace he carried within him.

One of Max's greatest joys was becoming a big brother. He adored his little sister and took his role as her protector seriously. Just days before his passing, he told her, "I'm sorry I'm sick, but I'll always protect you." Those words will live on as a testament to his love.

Max is survived by his mother Emily Brown, step-mother Hope Bowers, and his father, Bradley Brown. His older sister, Madalyn Brown and his younger sister Charlotte Bowers.

He is also survived by his maternal family: his grandparents, Kathy "Mimi" Burnett and Mark "Poppie" Burnett; his great-grandmother, Martha "Nannie" Dozier; his aunt and uncle,

Noelle "Aunt Nona" Edwards (Cody "Uncle Coco") and Drew "Uncle Drew Bear" Burnett (Amber); and his cousins, Deacon, Marlowe, and Knox Edwards.

He is also survived by his paternal family: his grandparents, Renee "Ne-Ma" Brown and Todd "T-Pa" Brown; his great-grandparents, Lonnie and Maxie Malcomb; his aunts and uncles, India Adams (Kyle), Brooklyn Brown (Heath), and Zachary Brown; and his cousins, Jordan, Lincoln, Lucas, Rylin, and Jagger.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Claude and Betty Burnett, and Howard and Billie Brown.

Max's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. McClain and the staff at Brenner's Children's Hospital, as well as the teams at Duke Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, for their compassionate care. Neither Max or his care team gave up the fight against Leukemia.

Special thanks also to his dear friends Samantha Munsey, Arwen and Wayne Cayton, Kisha Johnson, and his teachers Sabrina Holden, Crystal Whisenhunt, Alyssa Hill, Emily Boyles, Betsy Davis, and Sally Hill for the love and support they showed Max throughout his journey. A genuine thank you to the entire Galax community, for being the most encouraging support team a family could ever ask for.

Max's life, though far too short, was filled with love, laughter, courage, and kindness. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and joy that will continue to ripple through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Mighty Max Scholarship through the Galax Foundation for Excellence.To honor their passion for caring for others, the family will establish a scholarship for a student pursuing a career in healthcare and graduating from Galax High School.

The entire community is invited to attend memorial celebrations honoring Max's life.

Memorial Service: First Baptist Church-Galax Friday March 27th 2026 at 6:00pm. Visitation will occur at the conclusion of the service. Friends are invited to wear Superhero shirts, bright colors, or cartoon characters.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 11th- White Chapel Farm and Venue at 6:30pm. Friends are encouraged to attend with their favorite Max stories and memories to share with one another. Fire lanterns will be lit at sunset with all in attendance.

Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education:   PO Box 487   Galax, Virginia 24333  or https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-mighty-max-scholarship