Roseann O’Connell

November 19, 1961 - June 13, 2018

Stephen Scott Griswold, age 56, of Cedar Park, TX passed away unexpectedly on June 13.

Born in San Pedro, CA to Stephen Griswold and Brenda Ownby-Griswold. Raised in Houston, TX from a young age, he grew up riding his bicycle to his neighborhood Methodist church, and never meeting a stranger. Scott graduated from Cy-Fair High School in 1980. He met the love of his life while at work one day in January 1985. They married June 2, 1985, and began their journey through life together.

Scott always had a zest for life, and despite adversity, made numerous accomplishments during his time on earth. He first graduated from Houston Community College with an A.A. in Business Administration; moving on to St. Edward’s University where he earned a B.A in Psychology, and two Masters of Arts degrees in the social sciences; Scott also had his article discussing internet addiction published in one of the many psychology journals he enjoyed studying. He worked in numerous departments at SEU over the years, as well as volunteered as a counselor at the S.H.A.C.K. (Austin, TX), until he moved on to other endeavors at the time he completed his education in 2005. He ultimately retired in 2007 to spend more time with his beloved family.

Through his daily commute to work and school, Scott also befriended local Austin icon and celebrity, Leslie. Scott was proud to call him a friend. Scott was born to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved his team, win or lose. He instilled that same passion for Cowboys football in his daughter, Amanda; he also enjoyed teasing his son-in-law, Justin, about his love for the Cowboys’ nemesis, the Washington Redskins. He loved nothing more than watching the two teams play against each other with Justin by his side. Scott had been active in numerous wheelchair sports, from racing to bocce ball for decades. He won copious awards for his various athletic achievements.

He was also a man of great faith. He spread the Word of God to everyone he met, and was a longtime member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin. He didn’t have a favorite Bible verse because he loved them all, and said that any of them could be applied to life at any time. He attended dozens of Bible studies over the years, and formed lifelong friendships there. He also went on an Emmaus Walk several years ago, and truly loved his experience.

Scott always had the same beautiful smile no matter what life threw in his direction. He worked very hard for many years to provide a good life for his wonderful wife and loving daughter, and bragged about them to anyone that would listen—and probably everyone else too. He had numerous accomplishments throughout his life, but he would be the first to tell you that his family was his most important. Scott was especially thrilled at becoming a grandfather; he could not wait for his first grandchild to arrive in January 2019. https://www.beckchapels.com/obituary/6550596

January 31, 1993 - July 14, 2021

What can I say about my son Zach. A lot! Friedrich’s Ataxia entered his life at age 11. We didn’t know what to expect except his stumbling around. He lost the ability to walk at age 16 and had to use a wheelchair.

Zach was a fighter and wasn’t going to let FA take him down. He did his upper body exercises so he could keep that strong. He did his speech therapy exercises daily to keep him speaking well, eating and drinking.

He was a free-spirit, loved to laugh, was sarcastically funny and his smile was contagious.

He participated in trials and we would fly back and forth to NIH.

His wish was to visit Hawaii and that wish came true.

Zach lived on his terms. I respected that and backed his decisions. He was intelligent s straight A student all through 12 years of schooling. Unfortunately, FA prevented him from being a brain surgeon. But it’s ok. As long as he was happy.

He had a mad love for the Chicago Bulls or for that fact, the love of NBA.

Zach became tired and exhausted. His heart kept declining and became congestive heart failure and chronic pnemonia. His heart got tired and stopped. I thank the doctors for all they have done for him. They took very good care of him.

He his set free amd I pray he’s no longer suffering, running and walking in Heaven.

As you can tell by his picture he was not only handsome but his smile was very contagious.

- Ann Kemnitz (Zach's Mother)

June 22, 1983 - July 26, 2020

My beloved son died on July 26, 2020. Alex had always been gifted. He was a beautiful baby with dark brown eyes, a fast learner. He was somehow speeding every aspect of his life. He quickly learned langages, French, English and Spanish. He was good in sports as well, almost played scratch in golf, could easily beat the game in tennis and played remarkably well music instruments like guitar. He was gifted but most of all, Alex had a loving heart, full of compassion and empathy, with an E. He cared about sick and poor people. He also had a generous heart and over the years cultivated friendships. When he was diagnosed with FA at 21, he kept a joyful heart and fought the disease until the end. He suffered in his mind and body loosing all possibilities to play golf, tennis or guitars but he kept faith in a cure but above all, he kept faith in Jesus. In fact he had Jesus’s heart caring for the orphanage and needy people. He built a business on the net which made everybody proud of his accomplishments. Until the end he stayed in his condo and kept a close relationship with friends on the net. He was the perfect son, full of gratitude and love. I could not love him more. I had the privilege to be his father for 37 years and I enjoyed every minute spent with him. Today he is with the Saints, back home in heaven, he was and will be our angel. Love you for eternity Alex, Dad and Johanne.

Since his childhood, Alex has always been very close to his brother Antoine. They had always been like Siamese twins, wrapped in complicity, breathing for one another. Just 1 year and 10 days separated them. They always cared for each other, walking in the same steps all along his life, but Alex was leading in many ways. Their relationship was a pure expression of love. They have built a business together.

August 22, 1979 - February 26, 2019

Starla Ann Brannon-Price was born August 22, 1979, went to be with the Lord Tuesday February 26th 2019 at 39 years old.

Starla was Diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxia in her late teenage years but didnt let FA stop her. She Graduated High School, went to college obtaining just short of a BA degree in business, wrote an article that was published by the National Ataxia Foundation(NAF), and in 2014 was Married. Starla loved God, Her Husband, Family, Friends, her dog Alex, and 2 cats Arnie and Jeffrey. she never let FA get her down, exercised daily, and watched what she ate... and watched out for her Husbands health too.

Many people remember her smile which would light up a room. she always smiled despite her circumstances with FA. She taught that it was better to laugh than cry. She also had Tremendous Faith in God and his son Jesus Christ and her life reflected that. Her favorite bible versus were "With God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26), and "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me" (Phillipians 4:13). Her life really reflected her faith... She was always positive, and strived be the best person She could be.

We mourn her loss but at the same time we have to keep on Advocating for others who suffer from the struggles because of Friedreichs Ataxia, and we will keep pushing on until we either find a cure or substantial treatment to help those who suffer from Friedreichs Ataxia.
- Starla's Husband, Daniel Price