Local woman’s goal is to pay tribute to Rosman teens

  • Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo
    Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo
  • A large wall hanging THAT has been placed in the locker room of the Rosman Tigers was presented by Miranda Shuler during a memorial for Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo. With Miranda during the presentation are Rosman coaches, Tyrea Allen, Courtney Cheek and Chris Owen.
    A large wall hanging THAT has been placed in the locker room of the Rosman Tigers was presented by Miranda Shuler during a memorial for Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo. With Miranda during the presentation are Rosman coaches, Tyrea Allen, Courtney Cheek and Chris Owen.
  • Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
    Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
  • Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
    Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
  • Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
    Hayesville Yellow Jacket players of all ages gather recently to pay tribute to the two Rosman teens, Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo who lost their lives in an ATV accident on Aug. 25. Some wore the Tiger’s signature orange in support the players and the Rosman community.
    Miranda Shuler’s son Noah in a varsity jersey with the No. 68 worn to honor his friend Layne Jones.

    Miranda Shuler’s son Noah in a varsity jersey with the No. 68 worn to honor his friend Layne Jones.

    By Becky Long

    Publisher

     

    The Clay County community recently reached out to show their support and empathy when they learned of the death of two Rosman teens. The tragedy particularly struck a chord with youth at Hayesville schools because not only were they fellow football players, but both were only 16.

    Layne Jones and Jayden Reynaldo died in an ATV accident on Sunday, Aug. 25. Reynaldo and Jones played on the Rosman High School Tigers varsity football team. The first day of their junior year was to start that Monday.

    Layne loved fishing, riding dirt bikes, playing football and making everyone around him laugh and smile. He attended Rosman High School and would have been a junior this year, according to his obituary.

    Jayden had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone in need. “Jay” loved to be outdoors fishing, hunting, throwing a football with his brothers or kicking around a soccer ball, according to his obituary.

    The loss struck many people in the region, but for Hayesville resident Miranda Shuler, it was even more personal. Miranda had grown up in Rosman where she attended school and was a cheerleader. Her best friend, Sterling is Layne’s sister. 

    Now a mother herself, Miranda said she has kept in touch with many of her friends there over the years, particularly Sterling who she often visited. 

    “She’s my best friend, like a sister,” Miranda said. “We were pregnant together and we would try to go to each others kids’ games.”

    Sharing the pain of loss with Sterling and the Rosman community prompted Miranda to want do something.

    She coordinated several teams in the area to join her in a tribute to the young boys by wearing Rosman’s colors in an “Orange Out,” at various stadiums. Her son, Noah was among them and he proudly wore the No. 68 jersey to honor his friend Layne at a Termite youth league game.

    “Noah said, ‘Hey mommy, I’m going to ask Coach Brian to break it down to 68 on 3,’” he said referring to a play he wanted called for the No. 68 which was called on the field in an ensuing game.

    Miranda went to work gathering support from locals. Signs Fast opened their shop on a Saturday and created 13 signs for the family and a beautiful banner in memory of the Rosman players with photos of players from Hayesville and three other schools. Artwork depicting the Jones family was also presented to them. Miranda expressed appreciation to Signs Fast, Taylor Hall, Raine Boutique, Limor Nagy and Sierra Carrington for helping make the tribute so special.

    Regarding the support from surrounding counties of Rosman, it is Shuler’s hope that it continues to help the family during their time of need. 

    “All these people gave those families a little bit of comfort,” said Miranda. “I think the main thing is the families don’t want anyone to forget their sons — through the signs that were made, their sons’ names will be seen every day.”