DJ was truly one of a kind uniquely made, deeply loved, and forever remembered.
MUSICALPRELUDE
Musician
PROCESSIONAL
Clergy, Family, and Friends
OPENINGSELECTION
CBC Praise and Worship Team
SCRIPTUREREADING
Old Testament-Min. Linda Hudson
New Testament-Min. Shapera P
PRAYEROFCOMFORT
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
D E R O F W O R S H I P
The Remarkable Life and Legacy of Deandre Dwayne “DJ” Wimley, Jr.
“ALifeAllHisOwn”
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. ”
“TheAthleteandtheArtist”
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.
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 twen universities and multiple scholarship including:
100 Black Men of America
Riverside–TowneBank
Peninsula Foundation
Andrew Senior Scholarship
Iota Phi Theta: James Arrington
“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.
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.
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 t And I still know who re
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
