Jeffrey Michael Bandy

Jeffrey Michael Bandy, a special needs teenager from Falls Church, VA, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 24, 2019, surrounded by his loving mother and father. Jeffrey was born on September 12, 1999, at Fort Hood, TX. He was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy as an infant and faced many adversities during his lifetime. His lifelong struggle with disabilities served as an inspiration to all who knew him. As a happy and loving child, Jeffrey was mainstreamed into Falls Church City Schools at the age of 4 and would attend for the next 15 years. As a 2018 graduate of George Mason High School, he was still attending classes in the LifeSkills program there upon his death. Although he was non-verbal and wheelchair bound, Jeffrey loved riding the bus to school daily and attending classes with his many friends. His amazing teachers, paraprofessionals and therapists created an environment full of music, learning and love. He enjoyed giving High 5s down the hallways to all his Mason friends. Jeffrey was a member of Best Buddies and had special one-on-one friendships. Though unable to speak, Jeffrey’s magnetism and charm drew people in, and all who knew him loved him. Jeffrey leaves behind his parents, Philip and Melissa; his twin brother, Jack; his maternal grandparents, Lynn and Carol Ratcliff; his paternal grandmother, Mignon Bandy; his aunt and uncle, Celeste and Barry Carson; uncle Mike Bandy; and many cousins. His parents are grateful to all the many doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers over the years who took extraordinary care of Jeffrey. And they are extremely appreciative for the support and love of friends in the Falls Church community. A memorial service will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. A reception will follow the service in the Church Fellowship hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the Jeffrey Bandy Memorial Music Program stewarded by the Falls Church Education Foundation. Checks, payable to FCEF, may be mailed to 800 W Broad Street, Suite 203, Falls Church, VA 22046 or donations may be made online in Jeffrey’s memory at http://www.fcedf.org/