Brian Mahdee

Brian Sherrod Mahdee, beloved son, cousin, friend, chef and so much more, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022, at age 37.

The son of DeVon Nelson and Iamullah Mahdee, Brian was born on September 17, 1984, in Waukegan, Illinois. Brian graduated from Waukegan High School in 2003 and later attended Triton College and the Illinois Arts Institute of Chicago, where he studied culinary arts.

Brian held many positions during his career, but it was his love for cooking that was most rewarding. Brian was employed at the for­mer Ramada Inn in Waukegan and the Gurnee Holiday Inn Con­vention Center, where he served as food and beverage manager, kitchen manager, and scheduled banquets for the hotel. His desire was to one day own a food truck and open a restaurant named Betty's, after his grandmother.

Brian loved family gatherings where he and Aunt Angie or Cousin Ariana would often get in spirited competition over who made the best hot wings or macaroni.

Brian also loved to sing, and sang in his high school choir.  Adele, Jazmine Sullivan, and Beyonce were a few of his favorite artists.

Brian will be remembered for his big personality and love for oth­ers. He had a wonderful sense of humor. In all he did, Brian wanted only one thing - to make those around him happy.

Brian leaves to cherish his memory: Mother DeVon Nelson, Aunt Angela Nelson, Uncle Zachary Nelson; cousins Inge and Lena Foxie, John "Billy" Blair, Ashley Nelson, Ariana Crawford, Voltaire Hawkins Jr.; "The boys”, Xavion Crawford, Skylar Duncan, Legend Fowler, and Zavonn Cooper, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his Grandmother Bettye Cook, Grandfather Cleveland Nelson, and Uncle Voltaire Hawkins.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee, IL 60031. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., with burial immediately following in Warren Cemetery.

Warren Funeral Home is assisting the family.