BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont family is honoring their loved one this Thanksgiving.
19-year-old Jayden Knighton took his life earlier this month. His body was found in the LNVA canal near Highway 105 in Beaumont.
On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, his family is channeling their grief into gratitude by giving back in Jayden's honor.
The family is donating the flowers from his funeral to an assisted living home. They said he loved to volunteer at places like that during the holidays.
Even though Jayden's family is grieving his death, they are grateful to give back in his honor. They say the flowers are a small token of that gratitude.
"We're here on behalf of the Beaumont chapter of Top Teens of America and we're here to present you a plant from one of our former teens which his name was Jayden Knighton," said Florestine Green, the top lady of distinction and chairwoman on beautification.
The Top Teens of America joined Jayden's family to give back in his honor.
"We'd like for you to have this plant in honor of his memory. And happy Thanksgiving," said Green.
"He spent his time on earth being a Top Teen and he was in the NAACP Youth. Several things. But a lot of things they do is like serving, helping the community, and this is one of them taking care of our elderly people that have taken care of us," said Denise Spooner, Jayden's grandmother.
During the holidays Jayden would volunteer across Southeast Texas.
"Giving out food at some other place, coming to the nursing home playing bingo with the residents. And presenting things like plants that have been presented today in his honor," Spooner said.
Arthur Lewis was visiting his mother, a resident at Pelican Bay Assisted Living Community.
"And to see young people out giving back to the community. And recognizing one of their piers that have since gone on. I think it means a whole lot. As well as this plant," Lewis said.
Lewis offer's advice for others grieving this holiday.
"Just remember the moments that existed. True he's gone, or your relative is gone. Your mother, father, auntie, sister, brother, that they're not here but they still are with you," said Lewis.
Spooner encourages you to honor your loved ones too.
"So for it to continue something that he dearly loved he's shining down on us today right before the Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday," said Spooner.