Denzel Malik Zuber's Obituary
Denzel Zuber was born on October 22, 1999, in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from Central High School in 2018. From a young age, Denzel carried something special within him. He had a gentle, compassionate, and playful spirit that followed him everywhere he went. He had a natural gift for lifting people up, whether through a clever comment, a perfectly timed joke, or one of his classic moments like saying “what’s that?” or “are those your keys?” just to have you looking around for nothing. Denzel knew how to create laughter out of thin air, and he made sure everyone around him felt it too.
Family meant everything to Denzel. He cherished meaningful moments and gatherings, always present, laid back, often in the background listening to music, cracking jokes, and enjoying being with the people he loved most. He didn’t need to be the loudest in the room to be felt. His presence spoke for itself.
Growing up, Denzel was active in sports, building determination and creating lasting memories with his big brother, Fletcher. Their bond was truly special. Close in age but even closer in life, they grew together, leaned on each other, and shared a brotherhood that was deep, real, and unbreakable.
Denzel shared a special and unshakable bond with his mother. It was always understood how much she meant to him. She lovingly called him her “mini me,” a reflection of how much they looked alike and how closely they were connected. She was his biggest supporter, always in his corner, and he knew it.
Denzel was also incredibly talented. Music was a part of him. He loved everything from R and B and rap to country, never afraid to jump in, whether hitting a note or spitting a few bars. He had a gift for drawing, creating meaningful artwork that lives on through tattoos worn proudly by his mother and brother.
Above all, Denzel’s greatest joy was being a father to his son, Xylo. He was the kind of father who brought joy into every moment. He loved to play, to laugh, and to teach. He found happiness in hearing his son repeat new words and phrases he had just learned. He was the fun dad, the one who got on the floor, who played, who bonded. Denzel valued uniqueness. He loved the name Zuber because it stood out, and he carried that same pride into naming his son, Xylo, a name just as unique.
To Xylo, your father was a man who lived fully and loved deeply. He was funny, creative, and unapologetically himself. He brought light into every space he entered. You will hear many stories about him, but the most important thing to know is this. Your father loved you more than anything. You were his pride, his joy, and his legacy, and that love will always be a part of you.
To all who knew and loved Denzel, we remember him for a life full of laughter, creativity, love, and connection. When we find ourselves laughing unexpectedly, when someone says something just to make you look, when music plays and memories come rushing back know that Denzel is still with us, still making us smile.
Denzel was preceded in death by great grandparents, George L. Fletcher, Mattie M. Coleman, Walter and Katie Zuber; grandparents, Yolanda Faye Golson, Bobby Coleman and Carol Z. Woodall; great aunts, Desiree Brown and Brenda Z. Porter; and uncles, Andre Zuber and Ricardo Zuber.
Cherishing his memories are his son, Xylo Malik Zuber; parents, Brenda D. Stewart and David Zuber; older brother, Fletcher N. Zuber; grandad, Jerome Stewart Sr.; Xylo’s mother, Emagyne Reed-Emillia Walker; great uncles and aunts, Jeff and Donessa Fletcher, LeRoy and Irma Stewart, Edward Earl Stewart, Duree Brown, Thomas Brown Jr., Donna Brown and Beverly Zuber Sales; uncles, Jerome (ReYaundra) Stewart Jr.—JaQuela Stewart, Rahja Stewart, Jerome Stewart III - Jasmine Stewart and Jaylan Stewart, Thomas (Kendra) Stewart Sr. – Thomas Stewart Jr., Thomes (Dalvan) Buchanan, Shaqune Stewart, Desiree Stewart and Isaiah Stewart, and Marlon Zuber- Marlon Jr., Marshell, Marshondia, Marlona, Marsha; aunt, Lindra (Terrance Sr.) Crowder. – Terrence Crowder Jr., Shaquita Crowder, Ti’Shai (Michael) Shadden, Taya Ervin (Jalen) and TaNiya Crowder; cousins, Breonna, Keonna, Stephanie, Jordyn, Keosha, Aleta, Robyyn, TaDre, DeAlexia, Ladarius, Andasia, Mya and a host of other family members, too many to name.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12 noon at Taylor Funeral Home in the Chapel with Pastor Ronald King as the Eulogist.
What’s your fondest memory of Denzel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Denzel?
Share a story where Denzel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Denzel you’ll never forget.
How did Denzel make you smile?

