Jordan Taylor Brown was blessed with a winning smile and warm embrace. He brought joy to his family and friends. A natural athlete with no formal training, Jordan mastered every sport he attempted - from his first dribble at age five to high school, where he played key positions on the basketball and football teams. On July 30, 2007, after attending a basketball game, 21-year-old Jordan was shot. When he died the next day, his family learned that he had registered to be an organ donor. He may have been inspired by his aunts - one a cornea recipient and the other a kidney recipient. His aunt Sonia believes that "Today, Jordan is absent in body but because of his unselfish gifts, he lives."

Jordan's Story

Jordan Taylor Brown was blessed with a winning smile and warm embrace. He brought so much joy to his family and friends and was helpful and kind to everyone he encountered. He was loved by his family and protected by his older brothers, Sterling and Travis.

Jordan followed in his brothers' footsteps and learned to love and play basketball. A natural athlete with no formal training, Jordan mastered every sport he attempted. From his first dribble at a basketball clinic at age five, there was no doubt that he was a gifted player. According to his aunt, Sonia Taylor, he consistently played at a level far beyond his age.

As a freshman in high school, he played the coveted position of starting point guard. Wearing the Number 10 jersey, he held this position until he graduated in 2004. In his sophomore year, he also joined the football team and played for the next three seasons as a running back (Number 22). Along the way, Jordan received accolades and trophies in both sports. "Sadly, Jordan, like many talented athletes, was not picked up by any college to play basketball or football," said Sonia.

A few years later, after attending a basketball game, 21-year-old Jordan was shot. It was July 30, 2007, and he was 21. When he died the next day, his family learned that he had registered to be an organ donor. He may have been inspired by his two aunts - one a cornea recipient, and the other a kidney recipient - who are passionate advocates for donation.

Jordan's aunt Sonia believes that he "became the seed that died so that many other seeds could live. What an extraordinary gift it was that he saved the lives of others in many parts of this country. Although his death is incomprehensible, we have grown to understand that it was for this reason - to save others - that his hour had come. Today, Jordan is absent in body but because of his unselfish gifts, he lives."

Since his death, many have followed in his footsteps and become registered organ, eye and tissue donors. This is the Jordan Taylor Brown legacy.