Nathaniel Greyson Heatherley

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we share the passing of our precious Nathaniel Greyson Heatherley, who, though only five years old, lit up the world in a way that words can scarcely capture. Nathaniel lived each day with courage, light, and joy that touched every soul, lucky enough to know him.

Nathaniel came into this world softly but made the loudest kind of impact—a gentle warrior whose smile could melt the hardest of days and whose laughter, rang with a clarity that reminded us all of what really matters. His eyes sparkled with wisdom far beyond his years, a quiet knowing that seemed to say, I am here, and I am love.

Though he never spoke a word, Nathaniel said everything. In the way he looked at his parents, Alexandra and Haden, with eyes full of pure, unquestioning love. In the way he listened to grandparents when they read to him. In the way his presence could calm a room, soften strangers, and awaken compassion in others.

Nathaniel was a teacher without a classroom. He taught patience, grace, unconditional love, and the beauty of simply being. His life was not defined by milestones, but by moments—shared giggles during story time, the rhythm of music that made his hands move, the warmth of morning sunlight on his face. He lived in the present, and in doing so, showed us all how to slow down and truly live.

To his family, he was a miracle. To his nurses and caregivers, a daily blessing. To his community, a reminder of the sacredness of life in all its forms. He lived his life wrapped in love, surrounded by hands that held him and hearts that adored him.

Nathaniel’s body may have been fragile, but his spirit was unbreakable. In his short time here, he gave the world more than most do in a lifetime. His journey was brief, but his legacy—one of courage, softness, and soul-deep love—will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

He leaves behind his loving parents, Alexandra DeVries and Haden Heatherley; paternal grandmother, Rebecca Heatherley; maternal grandparents, Alicia DeVries and Michael DeVries; paternal great-grandmother, Nancy Heatherley; maternal great-grandparents, Donald Hummel and Janet Hummel; uncle, Heath (Katherine) Heatherley; Christopher (Heather) DeVries Taylor DeVries; aunts, Vanessa DeVries, Victoria DeVries; cousins, Luke Heatherley, Eli Heatherley, Matthew Heatherley; and a community of friends who loved him fiercely. Though our arms are now empty, our hearts are forever full.

A celebration of Nathaniel's life will be held at 1pm on Monday, June 2, 2025, Calvary Church 110 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759. He will be laid to rest next to his paternal grandfather, Hollis N. “Jess” Heatherley at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park 2860 Sunset Point Road Clearwater, Florida 33759.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nathaniel’s memory to organizations supporting children with disabilities, so that others may receive the same love and care that surrounded Nathaniel every day of his life.

Fly free, sweet Nathaniel You were never bound by this world—you were always a piece of heaven among us.