Maranda Paige Young, age 30, of Hoschton, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025.
Maranda had a gift for seeing beauty everywhere — in places big and small. She loved butterflies, each one reminding her of the quiet magic in life. The beach brought her joy beyond words — the sand between her toes, the waves crashing in rhythm, the endless horizon that mirrored her spirit: peaceful and infinite.
She found serenity in the parks nearby, often hanging her hammock between two trees, or sitting quietly on a park bench or in her car, just watching the lake and feeling the breeze on her face. Those simple moments brought her pure happiness — she knew how to pause, appreciate, and truly be in the world.
Her love for her boyfriend was something others saw clearly and often commented on. The kindness, laughter, and tenderness they shared spoke volumes without needing words. Their bond was rare and special, and it showed in every glance, every touch, and every small act of care.
Maranda touched countless lives, not just in passing moments, but deeply — both in everyday encounters and during her illness. There was a lightness and innocence in her spirit that is almost impossible to describe. God seemed to have poured a little extra into her heart — more kindness, more wonder, more grace — qualities that left lasting impressions on everyone she met.
She changed my life in ways I cannot fully explain. But maybe this captures it best:
“Some souls come into this world to remind us what goodness looks like, what softness feels like, and what love sounds like when it laughs. Maranda was one of those souls. And though she’s gone from our sight, the beauty she loved so much now lives on all around us — in butterflies, in ocean waves, in the breeze off the lake — and in the hearts of all who loved her.”
Maranda is survived by her boyfriend James Perkins, Mother- Carisa Gillespie Burch. Brother- Slate Burch. 2 Stepbrothers- Damian and Dylan Burch. Grandmama- Faye Gillespie.
There are no services at this time. Interment cremation. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.
To the Love of My Life – For Maranda from James
You were the sunrise I woke to each day,
The soft whisper of hope when skies turned gray.
A heart so bright, a soul so kind,
You’re etched forever in my mind.
We dreamed in colors bold and wide,
Laughed through storms, stood side by side.
But time, so cruel, it slipped away,
And cancer stole what words can’t say.
I hold your smile inside my chest,
The echoes of your voice — my rest.
Each night I search the stars above,
For signs of you, my endless love.
If love alone could heal or mend,
You’d still be here, my dearest friend.
But now I carry all you were,
In every breath, in every blur.
I’ll live the life you couldn’t see,
With courage, strength, you gave to me.
Forever yours, until I find,
Your hand again, beyond all time.
You were my Sunshine baby. It’s an unimaginable pain that is unlike anything I have experienced losing you. You made me a better person, a better partner, and the love and devotion you gave was always flowing. Even in your sickness you would try to do things for me, when it was my time to take care of you. It’s very difficult to go day by day right now. The void and hurt is very difficult. I know you left for a better place, no pain and suffering. You were taken way too soon but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for loving me with all your might, you always said you were an old soul, that was so true. My kids and I talked about you and they brought that up to me, they saw the way you treated me. They said “she way way beyond her years, an old soul” . I could write a book of all the things in my head but I just want to say that I Love You and I am thankful that you didn’t get to the real painful point in this journey because there would be nothing I could do for you and that would just be too much for me. I miss the little things you would call me, the back rubs and kisses. The way you would look at me told me every time how much you loved me. Rest in Peace baby bear. 😥
Rip Maranda love n miss u cuz
My beautiful Granddaughter my world will never be the same for you were so deeply loved not only by your family but every life you touched. I know Granddaddy was waiting with open arms and I can’t wait to see you two again. Until then you will never leave my heart. I love you Maranda Young!
Rest in Peace Maranda
Maranda was one of a kind. All the kids that she touch just fell in love with her. She will be deeply missed beyond measure. I pray for the family as this tragedy has happened. We loved Maranda very deeply. We will also miss her but never forgotten. We will meet again on the other side.