My son, Laquan Ali Majette, was born on January 20, 1980, in Newark, New Jersey. Quan was born with chronic asthama and bronchiolitis, which he outgrew, for the most part, by the age of 12. He was my second born of three children. He was raised in both the Newark and Orange areas of New Jersey, attending school located in the Newark, Orange, and Montclair, NJ school districts.

Laquan easily made friends with anyone with whom he came in contact. His charismatic personality drew people to him easily. Quan was the type of person that you simply could not hold anger toward. His beautiful smile; jokes; wise cracks; and sense of humor are one of many of his personality traits that will be remembered by many. Quan had the ability to make anyone burst into laugher or muster a smile at any given time.

He played baseball and basketball for a brief period during his young life, he enjoyed swimming, but football was the love of his life.

Laquan played for the Orange Tornadoes and The Orange Hurricanes via the Pop Warner Football League in Orange, NJ. During his tenure, Laquan received rigorous coaching instruction from Head Coach, Dwayne "Shampu" Holmes (deceased) and Assistant Coach, my brother-in-law, Stencil Archie. Under their leadership they obtained two Newark Pop Warner Championship titles as well as Divisional Champs in 1996.
 
Numerous relatives and friends gathered together to proudly show support for the teams throughout his young football career. It is so very hard to find words to truly express how much Laquan was loved and appreciated throughout his young life, both on and off the field.

Laquan simply loved to play football. During his tenure at Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA), he was awarded MVP and was chosen to become a team captain. He wore uniform #22. He was considered a dedicated leader and truly enjoyed coaxing his team mates. They enjoyed their bond and friendship off the field as well. His coaches and team mates considered Laquan to be one of their number one players.
 
Laquan continued his education and football career at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. After attending Rowan for a short time, he transferred to Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ. Unfortunately, uniform #22 was already assigned to another teammate, he wore uniform #20 and #6. This was a deep dissapointment to him. Yet again, he amazed all on the football field.

As with his teammates at Montclair Kimberley Academy, Laquan was well liked and respected by his teachers and colleagues at MSU. In addition, Laquan often received many compliments and well wishes that we will never forget. He also received several interviews by the local news papers during his short-lived career in football.

Because of a final devastating injury, his dream of playing pro-football ended. After he was diagnosed with a congenital spinal condition, he had no other choice but to stop playing the game he loved so much. He received several trophies, certificates and awards throughout his football career, which I will cherish forever.

Quan worked with his brother, Dion, for the past two years at Automatic Switch Company (ASCO), in Florham Park, NJ., where he was loved by many during his tenure. His friends and co-workers at ASCO loved my Quan so much. The elder women "mothers" spoiled him by bringing him meals from home for lunch.

Quan's girlfriends loved him; they pampered him and cooked meals for him too. God help the one that BETRAYED YOU. God sits high and looks low; He can see past your innocent looking face and your sneaky smile. One day you will have to answer to God alone. HE'S GOING TO WIPE THAT SNEAKY GRIN OFF YOUR FACE, I PROMISE!

Throughout his life, neighborhood parents, teachers, his coaches, parents of his school friends, and his co-workers simpled adored my Quan. They were helpful mentors; he loved them like they were his mom or dad, and they loved him like he was their son. I am truly grateful.

His dream was to someday become a professional football player. His passion was to someday work in the the field of communication or public relations.

Laquan was laid to rest wearing his white and green MKA away Jersey. His cherished possession, a football that he received as MVP at Montclair Kimberly Academy, was laid to rest with him, along with items from those whom came to say farewell.

Laquan leaves many wonderful memories with those who know and love him so dearly. The bond that he had with all who knew him will remain embedded in our heart, mind, and soul forever and a day.

My child was not perfect; yes, he made bad choices and many mistakes, as we all have. Trust and believe my Quan left this world with a forgiving heart. I know this personally; he and I had one of our last mother/son heart-to-heart talks in December 2004.  I'll remember that conversation 'til the day God calls my name.

There will forever be a void in the heart and life of those who know and love Laquan. He is remembered in a very special way by many!

Rest in Heavenly peace, Quan
Until We Meet Again

~Mom~

When I come to the end of my journey,
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned,
And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken,
Remember some good I have done,
Forget that I've ever had heartache,
And remember I've had loads of fun.

Forget that I've stumbled and blundered,
And sometimes fell by the way,
Remember I fought some hard battles,
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers,
And remember the place where I lay.

And come in the shade of the evening,
When the sun paints the sky in the west,
Stand for a moment beside me,
And remember only my best.

~ by Lyman Hancock ~

To Those I love
And to Those Who Love Me
Quan

Laquan was by no means perfect.
Like all of us he loved, he angered,
he laughed, he cried.
He made good choices and bad decisions,
as we all have.

Believe me he too had his faults.
(You who have never sinned cast the first stone)

One thing I believe we who knew him
can all agree on is that
he had a very warm heart.
Beneath that manly exterior,
he was a teddy bear.
Quan was your friend, your brother
because of who you are inside not out.

There was no such thing as color in his eyes.
He knew many people of all race, creed, and color.
He knew poeple who are wealthy, middle class, and poor.

I always taught my children that God loves us all.
In His eyes we are all clear.
I believe he kept that thought with him
while he lived.

Laquan's gift of voice touched the heart of
many people from all age groups.
His words of encouragement and
beautiful smile captivated many hearts.
I am sure this is one of many things
we who know and love him will always
keep embedded in our hearts.

Quan was not ashamed to cry or express his emotions,
He never hesitated to give me a warm, sincere hug
or say Ma, I love you.

They say my Quan was a mamma's boy
The last thing he said to me was
"I love you Ma, I love you Ma, Ma, I love you"
What I would give to still have my baby,
my youngest son here with me.



May God bless my child's soul
~His Mom~