John Shayne Crabtree, the oldest son of Charles Crabtree and Kathy Braxton Crabtree, was born July 11, 1968, in Durham, North Carolina.
Shayne spent his early years in Durham where he grew up surrounded by family - his grandparents, parents and sister - and a close-knit community. He attended Northern High School and graduated with the Class of 1986. Known for his kindness, courage, and quiet strength, Shayne was the kind of young man who made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
After high school, Shayne began working as a carpenter with Compton Builders. He also continued his education as a student at Durham Technical Community College, balancing work and school as he built the foundation for his adult life.
In 1989, Shayne faced a serious illness that required a liver transplant. On September 1, 1989, he underwent the procedure at Duke Hospital. For the next 10 months, Shayne fought with extraordinary determination. His family later wrote that his faith grew stronger each day, becoming a blessing not only to them but to many others who followed his journey.
The community rallied around Shayne during this time. Hundreds of friends, neighbors, and supporters attended a charity auction held in his honor in November 1989. Many others contributed in different ways, offering prayers, donations, and encouragement. These acts of kindness helped provide comfort, special moments, and needed support during Shayne's illness.
Despite his courage and the care of many doctors, nurses, and staff at Duke, Shayne passed away on May 31, 1990, at Duke Medical Center. He was 21 years old. Funeral services were held at Northern Free Will Baptist Church, led by Rev. Arnold Price and Rev. Lovell Aills.
On July 11, 1990—what would have been Shayne's 22nd birthday—his family shared a tribute written by his sister, Windi Crabtree. Her poem, A Heart of a Lion, described Shayne's bravery, his faith, and his ability to find joy in life's smallest moments even during hardship. Her words captured the spirit of a young man who inspired many through the way he lived and the way he fought.
A Heart of a Lion
Death is afraid of him because he has a heart of a lion. Death! A word that most people think is the end of life, but for he who has a heart of a lion knows that there is eternal life.
Living life to it's fullest, knowing how precious every moment is. Taking one day at a time doing the best he can. No! Things may not always work out no matter how hard you try, but he who has a heart of a lion goes on fighting for life, wanting to live more than ever.
I know many of you have heard this story about life being hard, but for one moment I ask you put yourself on a basis of living your life hour to hour, day to day. Be the best you can be, because it can be taken away with no warning Take the time to live life and change the things you can. Dig deep down inside and fight back when things get rough.
There are so many things we take for granted. For he who fights for life only asks for the wind to blow his hair, for the warmth of the sun to shine on his face and to feel the grass beneath his feet. Take time to enjoy the little things which are not really little at all. Everyday will be what you make it.
How? How do we deal with things we cannot change, ask for the knowledge to understand and the will to move on to the things we can do.
No! Life may not always be a clear picture and life may end in this world, but, he who death is afraid of, because he has a heart of a lion. Lives On! Lives On!
Shayne is remembered as a son, brother, grandson, and friend whose life, though short, touched countless people. His family expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported them during Shayne's illness and after his passing. Contributions made in his memory were given to the Duke Chapter of the American Liver Transplant Fund, continuing the legacy of care and hope that surrounded Shayne during his final months.
He remains deeply loved and remembered by his family and friends.