Zyon Anthony Mcduffie

Zyon Anthony McDuffie was born in Bridgeport, CT on June 21, 2007 to Krystyna McDuffie and Damon Mercer, the first son for both. His great, great grandmother named him Zyon meaning "highest point" or "the promise". Zyon lived up to his name. He lived life fearlessly. Zyon had a contagious laugh and a million-dollar smile with deep dimples. He loved his family many times over. To know Zyon was to truly love him. He lived for football and his beloved teams, the Bridgeport Raiders and the Stratford Renegades. He proudly represented the McDuffie name on the field. He gained high level of achievement in football earning trophies and a trip to Florida for a championship. He even met Ray Rice, from the Baltimore Ravens. He attended Capital Prep in Bridgeport, CT. In 2021 Zyon graduated 8th grade from Flood Middle School in Stratford, CT before moving to Georgia. When he wasn't giving his opponents hell on the football field, he devoted his time to his family. He watched his mom work hard to provide for him and his younger brother. He promised her that when he made it to the NFL he would buy her a home and pay for a maid to help her. He loved spending quality time with his great grandma Mema and grandma Janis. He called her daily on facetime and she was his transport to and from for practice and games. He had an unbreakable bond with his aunt, Crystal. He would randomly call his great aunt Jackie just to tell her he loved her. He would spend weekends with his cousin Giuliana and her boys, Michael, Jr., Deondre and Raysean for homework help & life skills. The only kid that could eat 3 boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in a week. He spent lots of time with his cousin Giovanni and his daughter, they went on various trips which he enjoyed. He played video games with his cousins and friends online. He was there for Breanna & Annalise as her protector and was convinced that Isaiah is going to be the family genius. In his eyes, Reyquan was a legend and hung out with him often. He even had some skills on the basketball court where he talked nothing but trash the whole time. Zyon did not care about size because his heart made him the tallest in the room. Krystyna and her Fianc, Ryshon Penix watched Zyon grow into a great young man who believed in giving 100% to all that he did. He accepted Ryshon, Jr., Willie, Kalani, Kalon and Laila as his own brothers and sisters. He loved spending time with his younger brother, Jahki and his older sister, Destinee. He cherished being a big brother and wanted to set a great example for them, but he also knew that Jahki is a handful and another one of him would not work. He also had the heart to rekindle his strained relationship with his grandmother, Sophia Johnson and aunt Taneka Johnson. He truly loved his blended family. Last week Zyon was preparing to enter the 9th grade in Georgia and start his high school football career, which we know he would've been discovered. He was looking forward to leading by example on and off the field. Zyon is survived by his mother, Krystyna McDuffie and her Fiance, Ryshon Penix; little brother, Jahki McDuffie; older sister, Destinee Mercer; grandmother, Janis M. McDuffie; great grandmother, Joyce L. Davis-Cardoza "Mema"; aunt Crystal McDuffie-Goodrich; great aunt, Jacquelyn McDuffie-Davis; grandmother, Sophia Johnson and family; a host of cousins, coaches, teammates, friends, classmates and teachers. Zyon's road to a promise was cut short on August 1, 2021, and his dreams will never be realized. He touched so many lives in his short time. We will miss his many jokes and goofball antics. Most of all we will miss the man he could have been and the continued joy he would've spread. Zyon will always remain in our hearts. Friends may greet the family on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Community Funeral Chapels, 798 Park Ave. Bridgeport, CT 06604 Tel: (203)334-9999. Interment will be held privately. Bridgeport, CT. 06604. Share a special memory or light a virtual candle at communityfuneralchapels.com Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Zyon Anthony McDuffie, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Sunday, August 8th, 2021 3:00pm - 7:00pm, Community Funeral Chapels 798 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Interment Location Private Private Private, CT