De’Jour Lavar Crippen, known as DJ, was born to Lakenya Crippen and DeOndre Walker on March 20th, 2007, in Nassawadox, Virginia. He was a beloved son, big brother, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. He enjoyed spending time with family, hanging out with friends, fashion, specifically designer fashion, music, playing basketball at the rec center, and wrestling with anyone who wanted to wrestle with him. His favorite football team was the Cowboys (why?). He recently found the Lord and began attending weekly bible study. He attended Indian River High School, where he was in the Avid and Honors programs and a member of the track team. He was crowned Mr. Sophmore and Mr. Junior. De’Jour had aspirations of joining the Navy and recently received outstanding ASVAB scores. He enjoyed making his own money with previous employment at Taco Bell and Pursuit and was most recently employed at Skyzone. You knew you were loved by De’Jour if he picked on you and made jokes about you.
De’Jour leaves to cherish his loving memories: his mother, Lakenya Crippen; father, DeOndre Walker; sister, Makayla Walker and special brother, Jordyn Hinton; aunts Lakea Crippen, Lamesha Cropper and LyZhane Wiggins; uncles Leon Crippen, Andreas Walker, Davion Wiggins, Rahkeem Walker, Jaheim Johnson, and Deshawn Johnson; cousins Jaylon Strand, Shawn Crippen, Da’Mauri Wiggins, Da’Meir Wiggins, and Chase Bell; grandmothers Alesia Crippen and Lauketta (James) Reid; grandfather Robert (Linda) Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
De’Jour was an ambitious, mature, responsible, beautiful soul who could bring light to a dark room and brighten anyone’s day. He was very protective of his mother and little sister. De’Jour will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew him and leaves a void that cannot be filled. Our hearts are heavy, but our memories are full of the love and laughter he brought into our lives.
Condolences(19)-
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Monica says
December 5, 2024 at 4:17 pmI miss u, and the vibes will never be the same😔🕊️
Mr. Thomas Indian River Community Center says
December 12, 2024 at 4:05 pmI cant say enough about DeJour. Myself and the staff at Indian River Community Center loved having DeJour in the the building after school. he was always kind, respectful, and full of jokes that kept us entertained. the very few times he had to be corrected on something, his response was always yes sir/ma’am or no sir/ma’am. to hear that he just recently took the ASVAB test really touched me, as I am a retired Navy vet. I remember talking to him about the Navy his freshman year and I told him then if he ever wanted to know more, don’t hesitate to ask. he would have been a great sailor. he had the navy core values(honor, courage and commitment)instilled in him. I salute mom and dad for raising him well. on behalf of myself and the staff at Indian River CC we send our prayers and condolences to the family. We will miss him dearly.
Wayne says
December 5, 2024 at 4:56 pmknew you since intermediate school, and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met… you’ll always be remembered 🕊️
Amire says
December 5, 2024 at 8:54 pmKnew you for a decade and I will always appreciate your brotherhood, even when I felt like I didn’t deserve it. I’m going to miss getting you a maple griddle breakfast sandwich and a half and half brisk tea for Riverbucks. So, may you rest in paradise and you owe me some brownies. Love you Dee.💫
D says
December 6, 2024 at 12:13 amI knew dee through his cousin we hung out a couple of times i didn’t really get to know him but he was a nice and overall just joyful person. he will be missed.
Kersean says
December 6, 2024 at 12:19 amHonestly don’t know where to start, DJ man you were like a brother to me, We always was laughing and being loud in class especially German, I’m gonna miss each handshake we did and each dap up we had, your energy was something different man always jumping and excited about something new everyday, you stayed checking up on me and I did the same for you and it hurts cause our last interaction was asking each other how we doing and we both said we good and laughed , dapped each other up and said be safe and see you later, You were such a genuine person man , never had any negativity in you, And we were just talking about how you were gonna finish doing your tattoos , wish I could see put it on one last time for prom and graduation with us , it hurts that I won’t see you pull up near me in the morning anymore but I will be strong for you I love you DJ, all love and respect to your mother and sister as well may they be strong during this time and further down the road, Rest in Peace & Forever You DJ my brother ❤️🕊️
Layla Upshaw says
December 6, 2024 at 12:37 pmI don’t even know where to start, my heart was shattered when I found out. The love I had and still have for you is above and beyond. You sparked the lives of so many. I’m going to miss all the conversations we had about coming to visit eachother, about the future, about life and it hurts my soul that this happened. He so much life to live, every time we talked it was laughs and pure happiness, that’s what you brought to this world dee. Condolences to the family, I am so sorry, he will be forever missed. I live in pennsylvania and his presence and name will forever live on even this far.
Akira says
December 6, 2024 at 4:59 pmI don’t know him at all . but he seem like a sweet and kind hearted person rest in peace . god has gain an another sweet angel .
Deborah E Mapp says
December 7, 2024 at 6:21 pmI did not know this young man; however, from what I have read, he was a good person. It is so sad that he was taken from his family so soon. May he rest with Jesus and may this be a lesson to young men that a life is not yours to take. Prayers for his mother and other family. May God comfort them as only He can. Peace and Balance
Robert Johnson says
December 9, 2024 at 6:45 amKenya and DeOndre,
What do you say to a mother and father who are about to lay their first born to rest and bring home forever. I can think of a lot, but will speak on two words (roots and wings). As for roots, DeOndre, Son, I commend you for setting the paste to help raise your son, DeJour and daughter Makayla. As their father, you started out working hard to put your growing family in a home, to help raise, and that has a lot to be applauded. While nurturing them may not have went as intended, I can say you started their roots.
As for wings, Kenya, I commend you for the many things you taught and experienced with your son DeJour. From watching him grow, sharing many laughs, attending school, driving and even giving him the independence to let him spread his little wings to experience the work world. DeJour was an amazing young man and my words can’t describe how unfair this is to you, Makayla, or DeOndre. And from what I already know and learned in the past couple days, DeJour will be extremely missed by all who knew him.
I ask you both to take note of the two words (roots and wings) as you move through life and know that God will comfort you during your times of sorrow.
Gloria Bus Driver says
December 9, 2024 at 12:19 pmLaKenya and family,
I saw your interview Friday, and I recognized you immediately. I am so heartbroken for you and your family. I’m not sure if, Dejour, ever rode my bus, but I have heard of what a wonderful, smart young man he was. He will be greatly missed and is gone way to soon in such a tragic manner! I always want all the children who ride my bus to stay safe.
I will keep you and your family in prayer and I wish you God’s comfort and peace 🙏
Grandma Ketta says
December 9, 2024 at 8:36 pmMy Grandson DeJour,
There are many things over the years that I thought I would be considered as knowledgeable in, whether professional or livelihood, but I never could have imagined I would become skilled in losing my first grandson and what to say to his mother and father (my son). We have been so fortunate to have had you as part of our family and will miss you deeply. From day one I watched you grow into the young man that your parents set forth, to achieve that remarkable personality in which everyone has come to love. Even though we will find comfort with each other and get through this together, the family will not be the same without you. Know that your entire family wishes you were still here. Until we meet again.
Love Grandma Ketta
Paige says
December 9, 2024 at 11:44 pmDejour. Where do I begin? I have always been so fond of you. I don’t think you realized how much I have always rooted for you and been on your side. I have seen so much in you that I’m not quite sure you’ve seen in yourself, and I have always wished I could be right there when you finally did all that you’ve dreamed of. I have always been such a happy person, but Dejour, you’re making it really hard for me. I never thought my first big loss would be you. Thank you for all the wonderful laughs and happy days you have blessed me with. Thank you so much for always protecting me and caring for me when I needed you. These memories are ones that I will never forget. Rest in Peace my angel.
denaysia says
December 11, 2024 at 3:06 pmWe will forever miss & love you Dejour. You made a big impact on many peoples lives and im glad to have met you & your great personality. Ill miss your laugh and the car rides we had where you would just tag along for the ride, your mom LaKenya & your little sister Makayla will forever be in my thoughts and prayers as they grieve this great loss. I love you & wish you were still here to finish out your senior year. Longlive da flyest❤️❤️
Jordyn says
December 11, 2024 at 11:29 pmWords can’t explain how much I miss u man,would do anything for you to be here with me right now.I love you man🫶🏽
LaTanya Walker says
December 12, 2024 at 11:08 pmThe heartbreak I feel is surreal, and I can only imagine what you guys are feeling. Please find solace in knowing DeJour is loved and is a bright light to everyone he encountered. I will forever have his smile embedded in my mind and memories in my heart. I will miss DJ coming in my room every weekend saying “hey auntie” and giving me a hug, or me waking up most weekends to hear him and Jordyn wrestling through the house, sounding like a thunderstorm! I will miss him coming with us on vacation, the birthday parties and seeing him change clothes several times before he got the right outfit! Lean on all of the pleasant memories we all created with him and let them carry you through. I know DJ would want us smiling and continuing to carry his light in a positive way! He was a pleasant and beautiful soul! Thank you for allowing him to be such a huge part of our lives!! He will forever be with us! I love you! ~Auntie Kojack
Monique Smith says
December 14, 2024 at 7:51 amYou do not know me, but I am a mother that lost a child to gun violence last year. My heart goes out to you and your family. When I saw this on the news my heart just started to ache. I am sorry I had to come here to leave my message for you. My heart and spirit just felt you needed a mother that just lost a child to hold your hand and let you know you are not alone. Please reach out to me if you need a shoulder, a ear or a prayer. Here at the holidays it’s the worst but continue to have faith and trust in the Lord.. My deepest sympathy and condolences for your son. Its an event coming on Monday for mothers that have lost a child to gun violence im apart of this group, if you need a warm embrace. Please come its on my facebook page Monique momo Smith. Again my deepest condolences and i’m sorry I had to come here but no other way to reach out.
Auntie says
December 14, 2024 at 9:43 amNephew, today we memorialize your life, a life taken far too soon. A life that ended before it truly began. The heartache is immeasurable, and I will never understand why you were taken from us. I’ll never hear “auntie” from you again, we won’t see you turn 18, graduate, or get to see what you would contribute to this world. I miss your face; I miss your voice. In your final moments I pray you weren’t afraid. I pray you didn’t feel alone. I pray you knew you were loved by so many. You touched so many lives in your short 17 years. Tears will forever stain our cheeks, but we will remain strong in solidarity and remember the good memories that are forever etched in our memory. I love you like a son, and you will be missed but never forgotten. Not a day will go by without me wondering where you would be or what you would be doing. Watch over us. I love you nephew
Samuel Nelson says
December 18, 2024 at 11:56 amwords cant explain how I’m feelingg about this I’m I miss you man I wish I could’ve seen you 1 more time. I wish we could go back to those pee-wee basketball moments when we were younger
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