Joseph Christian Hutto

Joseph Joey Christian Hutto, a resident of Cleveland, stepped into Heaven with a whole and perfect body and into the arms of God his Creator on Monday, April 9, 2007. Joey, the little guy that could! Almost 16 years ago doctors predicted that he would not live one whole day outside of the womb because of the diagnosis of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. The prediction changed to 2 days, then a week, then a month, then a year, two years, five, then ten, but he did live. He lived 15 years, 8 months, 4 weeks and one day. What a miracle! Although his life was not an easy one, he touched so many people through his determination and strength.

He was able to attend Signal Center and Stuart Elementary School. Joey was able to travel with his mom and brother to the beach to visit with family. While there he got to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, and even got to have his toes dipped in the ocean. He attended Mt. Olive East Church of God when he was able, and made many friends while there. Joey enjoyed spending time with his family and they did many things together. He was able to go to the zoo and amusement parks. He also like going to the movies. Lately he was not able to get out much, but he still wanted his family close by. He enjoyed watching and listening to childrens movies and he loved Veggie Tales.

When Joey couldnt get out he had friends and family come to him and he enjoyed each and every visit. He mostly enjoyed having his mom and brother and their dog Rascal shower him with attention. He would wake up from a sound sleep at the sound of his mothers voice after she had been gone for awhile. He would make faces and blow raspberries at everybody else, but when it came to his mom, he would return every kiss by slightly sticking his tongue out and touching her with it. She will remember those kisses forever. Joey will be sadly missed and thought of often. However, we know we will see him again and we rejoice at the thought of being welcomed into Heaven by our Miracle, Joey.

Joey was preceded in death by grandparents, Carl and Clara Hutto, Maggie Bell Hutto-Hughes, and Calvin Lesley Thompson, Sr.

Survivors include his mother, Cathy Hutto-Smith of Cleveland; father, Robert E. Thompson of Cleveland; grandparents, Vicki Hutto of Langley, SC and Mildred Thompson of Cleveland; brother, Collin Smith of Cleveland; stepbrothers, D. J. Smith and wife Heather of Cleveland, and Chad Smith and wife Scarlet of Clarksville, GA; aunts, Lisa Hutto and boyfriend Brent Downs and Christie Black and husband Tim, all of Warrenville, SC, Margrett Ramsey and husband Johnny and Phyllis Thompson and boyfriend Jack Wells, all of Cleveland, and Christina Thompson and boyfriend Paul of Nashville, TN; uncles Carlton Hutto of South Carolina, Ricky Thompson and Calvin Thompson, Jr. and wife Susan, all of Cleveland; several cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy DuPree and Pastor Oliver McMahan officiating. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defect Center " Childrens Hospital, 975 E. 3rd Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

For additional information, phone 476-8575 or to send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net.