Sean Xavier Bussey

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Sean Xavier Bussey. He was born peacefully at home in Jacksonville, Florida on March 23, 2004. 

Sean was a member of Frank H. Peterson High School’s Class of 2021, graduating one year early. He earned his certification in Adobe Photoshop as a student in his high school’s Communications program.

Sean’s creativity and love of illustrating and writing comics and stories started at a young age. At 8, he asked his parents if he could write a book. A short time later, Sean became a published author of “A Tale of Purple Joe,” a project completely funded by Mom and Dad.

Sean was a passionate reader, typically reading more than one novel a week. This helped Sean build an expansive vocabulary which he used to strike-up conversations with virtually anyone. From the time he learned to talk, he held engaging conversations with people of all ages! He was always telling jokes, frequently sparking laughter from those around him.

Sean will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion towards others. Children admired him and were drawn to his light.  He was the “big kid” younger ones wanted to be around. He loved helping others and was always happy to lend a hand whenever necessary.

Despite his gift of bringing love and laughter to people, deep inside he was suffering. Sean privately battled a deep, inexplicable pain. On October 4, 2021, he took his own life, succumbing to the silent illness of depression. 

Sean is survived by his loving parents, Niesha and Robert Howard; and his sisters, Melody, Miricale and Simone Howard.

Sean’s light will shine forever, but we will always feel incomplete without his physical presence. In lieu of flowers, the family has three purposeful requests: We ask that you please learn the warning signs of depression and suicide. We also urge you to have the hard conversations with your children and loved ones. Finally, we ask that you speak-up about your own experiences with these issues. Sean did not share his feelings with those closest to him.  He didn’t believe anyone could help or that he would be missed. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Be sure to tell your loved ones how important they are and how much you would miss them if they were gone.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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