DeAngelo Anthony Jenkins II's Obituary
DeAngelo “DJ” Jenkins was born on January 1, 2012, in Big Rapids, Michigan, to Alicia Gossett and DeAngelo Jenkins. He was the second-oldest child of his parents and their first son. Although DJ lived in Detroit, he spent many summer nights and cherished moments at his grandparents’ home in Mecosta County, where he was deeply loved from the very day he was born.
From the moment DJ entered the world, he carried an energy that could light up any room. His presence was unforgettable—warm, joyful, and full of life. DJ had a way of making everyone feel welcome, greeting each person as if they were his best friend. If you knew DJ, you knew he loved to laugh, and his contagious sense of humor brought happiness to everyone around him.
DJ loved Pokémon, chocolate cake, and playing practical jokes. He always saw the bright side of life, no matter the circumstances, and faced each day with courage and optimism. One of the final laughs DJ shared with his family came when he heard a story about his younger brother Dereon calling the police because there was a spider in the kitchen. DJ threw his head back in laughter and eagerly shared another story of Dereon once calling the police to ask if they could bring him pizza. Even in his hardest moments, DJ’s laughter never left him.
DJ’s bravery throughout his battle with HLH taught everyone who knew him a lesson that will never be forgotten—that strength can outweigh fear in any situation. He faced unthinkable obstacles and complications with courage beyond his years. His medical team often spoke of the remarkable way he beat the odds time and time again, bouncing back from complications in ways they rarely witnessed. They said they were amazed—but also said they weren’t surprised—because that was DJ. He was a fighter.
In DJ’s final moments, his family sat by his side as doctors, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, and unit secretaries filled the room, many in tears, to say goodbye. It was then that his family truly saw the depth of DJ’s impact—the tangible evidence of how many lives he touched in a way that can never be duplicated.
Having the opportunity to love DJ has been one of the greatest gifts life could give, and anyone who crossed paths with him would agree. DJ will never truly die, for he will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
DJ is survived by his loving parents, Alicia Gossett and DeAngelo Jenkins; his grandparents, Burnett and Dave Gossett and Marsha Jenkins; and his eight siblings, Aryanna, Desmond, Alaylin, Aubrei, Dereon, Justin, Kingston, and Kamiyah.
Services for DeAngelo “DJ” Jenkins will be held on Sunday, January 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 469 W. Wheatland Ave., Remus, Michigan 49340. A prayer will be offered by Pastor John Mellish.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family.
DJ, we will carry your love with us until we meet again.
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