Braeden Levi Furubotten

Braeden Levi Furubotten, 21, of Columbus, GA, passed away on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, following a motorcycle accident. He was visiting his Cherokee County family for the past few days and was driving to Columbus to pay his rent and meet up with some friends to show them his new bike. 

Braeden was born on July 28th, 2003, in Tifton, GA, to Annalyse Karlsen and Michael Stafford. As a child, Braeden was adopted by his biological aunt, Kelsey DeClark (née Furubotten). Braeden was very close to his Grammy, Vanessa Furubotten, Aunt Erica Furubotten, and Aunt Alyssa & Uncle Blake Cheek. 

Braeden was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Braeden will be remembered for his work at The Center for the Study of Social Policy as a CARES Youth Ambassador, advocating for change in the foster care system, especially for older teens who age out of foster care. He also worked at WestRock in Alabama as an equipment operator.

Braeden was preceded in death by his grandfather, Patrick Furubotten, as well as some close friends who also passed away far too soon. Braeden is survived by his sisters, Alexis Furubotten and Jazmyne, Natalie, Malloree, Kyra, and Lyla Cheek of Holly Springs, GA; brothers James Stafford of Bartlesville, OK and Patrick Stafford of Atlanta, GA; Grandmother Vanessa Furubotten; aunt Erica Furubotten, aunt Alyssa and uncle Blake Cheek; parents Kelsey DeClark (née Furubotten), Annalyse Karlsen, and Michael Stafford; and nephews James and Matthew Stafford. Besides his blood relatives, he has acquired so many siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, and mentors that have been his true family. Braeden was a gift & blessing to so many, and he was loved and cared for by lots of people as well.

Braeden was spirited, irreverent, fun-loving, hard-working, and always up for adventure. He was a true Georgia boy, and he loved any time he could spend fishing. He also spent as much time as he could learning mechanics, welding, carpentry, and many other trades from his Uncle Blake. He loved cars and driving. While Braeden had a hard and harsh short life and endured much trauma, he was also our Warrior and Miracle. He was silliness and light and joy and love. It’s hard to believe we will never see him again until we get to Heaven. But WE KNOW that the moment his breath ended he was fully in the presence of Jesus and God, and he experienced full and pure LOVE. His heart and mind are fully healed and he is now at perfect peace. For that we are so grateful. 

Visitation for Braeden will be held Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Poole Funeral Home, 1970 Eagle Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189.

A service to celebrate Braeden’s life will take place on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 1:00p.m. at Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to Be Rich - Woodstock City Church in support of the Fostering Together ministry, to further Braeden’s passion of supporting kids impacted by the foster care system.