Remembering our friend, TJ Anderson Spurrier

Written by Ashlei, Joei Matheson's daughter.

TJ and Stephanie have had a whirlwind of events over the past few years.

In 2019, TJ and Steff lost their youngest child, Kelsey. This completely shattered their entire world. The entire family was in shock, and Steff took it the hardest. Shortly after this event, in 2021 Stephanie suffered a severe stroke due to the heartbreak and stress of losing her only daughter. The entire family stepped up to take care of her. She became disabled and would need help 24/7. TJ took this in stride and stood by his wife, completely devoting his life to caring for her with the help of his step-son Rowdy, and Rowdy's girlfriend Jessica. TJ's life was completely changed, but he became the backbone of the family. He cared for Steff, and brought in income for the both of them. He never gave up on her, even though he was bearing the weight of so much.

Recently, as of a month or so ago, TJ and Stephanie moved to the Cedar Creek Lake area to live a slower-paced life and be closer to Stephanie's best friend (My Mother), Joei. On Monday, February 13th 2023, Stephanie's mother Debra passed away from cancer, adding to the mounting stress on the family.

Early yesterday morning, on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2023) TJ suffered a massive stroke. He was placed into the care of UT Health Tyler. Shortly after his arrival, doctors concluded that the stroke had damaged his brain too much. The hospital could do nothing to save his life. Since this event, the entire family has been shattered, but have all gathered around Stephanie.

TJ was a family man, he bore the weight of so much stress and never complained. He always had a smile on his face and was cracking jokes. He made you feel as though you were family even if you weren't. When they moved here to the Lake, every time I would see him, he hugged me and told me he loved me. The first time, it surprised me, but TJ never failed to tell the people around him that he loved them. He knew that life was too short, after all he had been through, and that showing love at every chance he got was important. Even in death, he continues to give as an organ donor.

Today, we are asking for donations to help aid Stephanie and TJ's family in his loss. All donations will be given to Stephanie and her son, Rowdy to use for what they need. This will include, funeral/memorial expenses, living expenses for Steff, and any other necessities for the family.

I ask that you find it in your heart to help this family. They are some of the strongest people I know. They have all been through so much in such a short time. I had the fortune of growing up with this family and feeling the love they always radiated. Even through so much struggle they stuck together, dug their heels in, and kept going. I cannot imagine the pain they have had to endure, something I have never really had to deal with. The immense strength they have shown is indefinitely inspiring to me. As human beings, we can only bear so much and TJ held the full weight of these struggles every single day. I ask that you relieve some of the weight for this family. All donations will help, big or small.