Celebration of Life Program for DJ

THE LOVING

Memories Magazine

Deandre Dwayne Wimley, Jr. 3.21.2007 - 10.12.2025

Forever DJ: A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Greatness

DJ was truly one of a kind uniquely made, deeply loved, and forever remembered.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE HONORING DEANDRE DWAYNE WIMLEY, JR. 03.21.2007 - 10.12.2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:30 PM Gethsemane Baptist Church 5405 Roanoke Avenue Newport News, VA 23605 Pastor D. Shawrod Riddick Officiating

PROCESSIONAL Clergy, Family, and Friends OPENING SELECTION CBC Praise and Worship Team SCRIPTURE READING Old Testament-Min. Linda Hudson New Testament-Min. Shapera P PRAYER OF COMFORT Rev. Gregory Spurlock MUSICAL SELECTION Floyd Cleary REFLECTIONS Jordan, Kobe, Marcel, and Julian Coach David Porter Diamond Greene City Council POEM TRIBUTE Destanye Swittenberg SILENT READING OF THE OBITUARY Photo Montage DANCE TRIBUTE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mrs. Tinisha Williams PRESENTATION FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammed MUSICAL SELECTION GBC Praise and Worship Team EULOGY Pastor D. Shawrod Riddick II CLOSING SELECTION GBC Praise and Worship Team RECESSIONAL Clergy, Family and Friends

O R D E R O F WO R S H I P

MUSICAL PRELUDE Musician

The Remarkable Life and Legacy of Deandre Dwayne “DJ” Wimley, Jr. “A Life All His Own”

Deandre Dwayne “DJ” Wimley Jr. was born on March 21, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 20½ inches long. Arriving fashionably late after two failed inductions, DJ made an entrance that set the tone for a life lived entirely on his own time.

Named after his father following a playful family bet, DJ grew into his name with quiet strength, grace, and individuality. From an early age, he was known for his kind heart, thoughtful nature, calm spirit, subtle humor, and a little nonchalant charm. Stylish, intelligent, and family-oriented, DJ carried himself with a gentle confidence that made everyone around him feel at ease.

He was affectionately known as his Mimi’s “baby boy,” often sharing secrets with her to get his way. Their bond was special— so much so that his dad would joke that DJ was his mother’s “third child.”

His mom fondly called him “DJ Drama,” because he had a flair for turning even the simplest task into a production—whether picking the perfect socks for football, waiting until the last minute for school supplies, or customizing his iconic cropped prom jacket.

“From the very beginning, DJ did things his own way—with heart, humor, and style.”

“He played hard, worked hard, and shone in every arena.”

“The Athlete and the Artist” DJ was a natural athlete and competitor. He began playing football at age five with the Eagles, continuing through the Raptors, VA Eagles, and eventually Phoebus JV and Bethel Varsity Football. He also played basketball with Basketball 360 and Phoenix School team, competed in track and field for Bethel, and played baseball with the White Sox in his younger years. Beyond athletics, DJ furthermore explored his creative side through piano lessons, showing his versatility and curiosity in all things he set his mind to.

His love for football was shared with his Papa, who braved the summer heat to take him to countless college camps—memories that became family treasures.

“Focused. Driven. Destined.”

DJ’s circle of close friends—JaKobe, Marcel, Jordan, and Christian—became like brothers to him. At nine years old, he gained two more through family, Elijah (Eli) Brown and Julian (Juju) Brown, forming a lifelong bond that distance could never break.

An honors graduate of Bethel High School with a 3.79 GPA, DJ was a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, and JROTC. He also dedicated his time to Riverside Health System, the VA Medical Center, Family Behavioral Health and Healing, the Aberdeen Association, the Hampton Delta Foundation, and local political campaigns.

Academically gifted, DJ was accepted early to his dream school—Howard University—majoring in Human Performance to become a sports medicine physician. Howard was the only school he applied to, yet he received acceptance from over twenty universities and multiple scholarships, including: 100 Black Men of America Riverside–TowneBank Peninsula Foundation Andrew Senior Scholarship Iota Phi Theta: James Arrington 200 Men Scholarship Because of his advanced coursework and dual enrollment, he was on track to graduate from college in just three years.

Outside the classroom, DJ loved traveling and cruising—visiting Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and St. Thomas. He found joy in jet skiing, zip lining, swimming, ATV riding, gaming, and roller coasters.

A true trendsetter, DJs love for fashion and style inspired him to pursue modeling and dream of one day launching his own clothing brand. His creativity, individuality, and confidence made him stand out in every room he entered.

DJ was a proud member of Gethsemane Baptist Church and was christened at New Mount Olive Baptist Church. Most importantly, DJ was a believer in Jesus Christ, walking with quiet faith and trusting God’s plan for his life. His favorite verse stated, “In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.” Psalm 56:11 demonstrating DJs belief that human power is limited and insignificant compared to God’s sovereignty. So, we can confidently proclaim, 1 Corinthians 15:54–55, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

“Rooted In Love” He was preceded in death by his great grandmother Eula Mae (Polly) Swittenberg, Uncle Jerrail Spruill, and his beloved grandmother, Sheri Felicia Gayle, his “ride or die,” who now awaits him with open arms.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Deandre Wimley (Cherrell Holder) and Taneisha Patrice Gayles; siblings, Nevaeh Wimley, Aviyon Wimley, and Nova Giselle Brown; grandparents, Rufus and Leasa Swittenberg and Thomas Spruill (Trice Spruill); great-grandmothers, Dorothy Holliday and Sheraline Gayle; aunts, DeStanye Swittenberg, Thomeisha Spruill, and Janna Watson, brother-in-love, Julian Brown; and godmother, Temple Moore. He will also be remembered by a host of family, mentors, and friends who loved him dearly.

“Our DJ, Our Light” (In Loving Memory of Deandre Dwayne “DJ” Wimley Jr.) You came into this world with purpose, A promise wrapped in love, A smile so pure, a soul so bright, A gift from God above.

Our “baby boy,” our gentle heart, With laughter calm and sweet, You moved through life with quiet grace, And joy in every beat.

From football fields to Howard dreams, You chased your goals with pride, And every time you took the field, We felt your light inside.

You loved with ease, you led with peace, A quiet strength within, And though your time was far too short, You left your mark again.

You lived with flair, you dressed with fire, You played your keys, you hit your stride, From cropped prom coats to kicks, You dreamed of brands and fame, You made the world your runway, son— But most of all, you loved your Lord— Your confidence, your mix.

You honored Jesus’ name.

And oh, our “DJ Drama,” love— Your grandma waits for you, You always made a scene, With arms outstretched so wide, From missing socks to last-minute plans, And Uncle Jerrail smiles above, You kept life fun and keen.

To walk with you in stride.

If it could sparkle, shine, or pop, You’d find a way somehow, So now we hold you in our hearts, You did things big, you did things bold, Though heaven holds you near, And always on your time—your style, your vow.We’ll live with love, we’ll walk in faith, Until we meet you here.

Sleep well, sweet son, your race is run, Your crown of joy complete— For death has lost, and love has won, At Jesus’ perfect feet.

Sleep with angels, my DJ Drama, I’ll love you always and forever,

-Mama

Don’t tell me not to cry.

These tears aren’t weakness they’re my worship.

Don’t mistake my mourning for defeat.

I don’t grieve like those with no hope.

Because I know the Word, and I know my God. DJ is not lost… he’s lifted.

My son is not gone He has just gone ahead.

He took his last breath on earth, and his next one in glory.

So death… what now?

Where is your sting?

Where’s your victory?

You touched my son, but you couldn’t touch his eternity.

You took his body, but not his belonging.

He is resting with the Lord You thought this would silence me.

But you only stirred the sound Because I still believe!

And even in this I still trust.

And I still know who reigns!

The same God who gave me DJ now holds him.

And if my boy is in His hands, then I am too.

So I’ll cry…but I won’t collapse.

I’ll mourn while I magnify.

We will worship through this wreckage because God is still worthy.

DJ’s story didn’t end— He is not a memory; He is a testimony.

Proof that heaven is real, and love never dies.

So death, hear me clear! you’ve been stripped, silenced, and swallowed up in victory.

You’ve been put on notice You can’t win what Christ already claimed.

And I’ll stand right here, broken but believing, hurting but still shouting.

DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? DJ LIVES… AND MY GOD STILL REIGNS.

Thank You The family of Deandre Dwayne Wimey Jr. wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the love, support, and kindness shown to us during this time as we honor the life of our beloved son, DeAndre Wimley Jr. We are truly thankful for the prayers, the words of encouragement, the visits, and every act of love shared with us. Your presence and support have brought comfort to our hearts, and we will never forget the compassion shown to our family.

The family would like to give special thanks to Eyvette Jones, Lavita Young, Jerry Clark, James and Ginger Moore. Special thanks to C.C. Carter funeral home, Polly’s Soulfood, Howard University, Bishop Dwight Riddick, Pastor Dwight Shawrod Riddick II, and Gethsemane Baptist Church.

May we all continue to honor DeAndre's memory by living with the same strength, courage, and love that he shared so freely.

With sincere appreciation, The Family of DeAndre Wimley Jr.