Mr. Deandre D. Wimley Jr.

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.
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.
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 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?"
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.
DJ was truly one of a kind-uniquely made, deeply loved, and forever remembered.
It is the desire of the Wimley/Gayles families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The families of Mr. Deandre D. Wimley, Jr. has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.
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