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Loved ones share fond memories, dreams of 13-year-old Jeremiah De Leon-Smith

In the midst of great sadness, friends and mentors can't help but think of the good times they shared with Jeremiah.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Friends and mentors of 13-year-old Jeremiah De Leon-Smith are still trying to make sense of his death. 

His body was recovered from Lake Corpus Christi Monday morning after Texas Game Wardens were called to the lake around 6 p.m. Sunday for a possible drowning

A vigil was held Tuesday to celebrate Jeremiah's memory. 

On Wednesday, those closest to him shared their memories and how much he meant to them. 

Amerie Smith, Jeremiah's childhood best friend, said that she still can't believe he is gone. 

"Jeremiah was everybody's favorite person, everybody loved Jeremiah, everybody just loved the presence of Jeremiah," Smith said. 

But even in the midst of sadness, Smith said she still can't help but think of the good times.

"We had our bickers about who was the best player, but we always knew it was him," she said. 

Charles Wilkins coached Jeremiah and said that he had a dream to be just like him when he grew up. 

"He wanted to be a coach like me. He said, 'You think I could do that?'" and  I said you can do that and more," Wilkins said. 

His motivation and drive are key traits that Mathis head track coach Mateo Gonzalez said will be missed both on and off the field. 

"It hurts, just not being able to see that smile, see him walk around, see him participate for us," Gonzalez said.

Reverend Marisela Reyes had the pleasure of teaching Jeremiah at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. She said that even at a young age he was always eager to learn. 

"He just had such a peace about him, curious but in a peaceful way, not in a questioning way," Reyes said. "Just wanting to grow, wanting to know more."  

Funeral services for Jeremiah will be held Thursday at the Old Hwy 9 Event Center in Mathis starting at 1 p.m. A prayer service will begin at 6 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m.

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