Taeven Cashaun Collins

Taeven Cashaun Collins, a bright and promising young soul, was called home on April 14, 2026, at just 17 years old. Born on February 13, 2009, Taeven lived a life full of passion, courage, and an infectious love for the game of basketball both on and off the court.

From the very first days of his life, Taeven faced a battle that would have broken the spirit of many. He fought kidney disease from birth with a quiet, unwavering strength that left those around him in awe. Through every hospital visit, every difficult day, and every obstacle his illness placed before him, Taeven never complained. Not even once! He simply kept going, kept smiling, and kept dreaming. His courage was not loud or boastful; it was steady, graceful, and deeply inspiring.

Taeven had a deep love for sports that defined so much of who he was. Whether he was cheering on his favorite football team or lighting up the basketball court, his enthusiasm was impossible to miss. His love for athletics extended far beyond playing. Taeven carried a dream close to his heart of one day attending the University of Texas to pursue a degree in sports medicine, a testament to his ambition, his intellect, and his desire to give back to the world of sports that brought him so much joy.

At 17, Taeven had already shown the world the kind of man he was becoming… determined, spirited, and full of potential. His smile could fill a room, and his passion could inspire everyone around him. He was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and a friend who left footprints on every heart he touched.

Taeven is lovingly survived by his mother LaTanya D. McDowell, brothers La Feion Smith (Courtney),  Eric Collins Jr., and Equavion Collins, nephew Emari Burdette, nieces Camden Smith and Celeste Collins-Nestoso, and a host of aunts uncles and cousins.

Though his time here was far too brief, the legacy of Taeven Cashaun Collins which was his strength, his dreams, his laughter, and his love — will live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. May he rest in the peace he so richly deserves.

A Funeral Service to honor the life of Tae will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at The Church at Asheville (79 Piney Mountain Drive), at 12pm. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler. There will be NO public viewing on Friday. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

TAE STRONG!!!

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