Fourteen-year-old Caden Manes of Tupelo, Mississippi lost his rock, and confidante, his mother Brandi Woods Brannan Williams on November 5th, 2025. After losing a job and her health insurance, Brandi sadly delayed seeking care and had a severe cough she could not conquer. At the age of 47, she passed away of a heart attack in her sleep and will be laid to rest in Yazoo County, Mississippi, in the family cemetery. This tragedy comes right upon the heels of Caden's biological father's death this past January.

Brandi's father, Jimmy Woods, passed away in 1981 in a farming accident and never met his only grandchild. Her mother Carrie, who was Brandi's best friend and a favorite relative of Caden's, lost a battle to cancer in 2020. Brandi is survived by her husband, Don Williams, and stepchildren/step grandchildren, as well as her paternal aunts, Mary Sue Woods Nicovich of Starkville, Mississippi, Judi Woods Hall of Winter Garden, Florida, and Jo Ann Woods Gee of Carrollton, Texas, along with a number of loving cousins.

Caden's aunts and extended family are committed to helping him to follow his dream of finishing high school with honors and to graduate college with a computer science degree.

Caden is a sweet, quiet young man who loves gaming, anime, and J-pop. He's been an "A" honor roll student in Tupelo, Mississippi schools for years and is now a Freshman at Tupelo High School. He is beloved by his community and school network and is working hard to finish the semester and catch up after the days he has missed.

Without any living immediate family, his aunts and cousins are trying to provide as much support as possible. We ask that folks who knew Brandi and/or the family pray for Caden as he goes through this difficult period. If you are able to assist financially, please consider donating to a school fund to help Caden follow his dreams of pursuing higher education in a supportive environment.

Thank you for your love, kindness, and generosity!

Caden's Family