Deja Life and Legacy
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Dear family, friends, and supporters of Deja S. Reed, we first want to acknowledge the overwhelming show of support we have received from all of you in our darkest hour. We could never express our gratitude and appreciation enough. Thank you and we love you.
Deja was born August 13, 1997 to Catrina Walker and Dontraven Reed. Catrina’s pregnancy and delivery had quite a few complication's. It was clear early on Deja had her mother’s spirit and was a fighter. Doctors and medical professionals did not give Deja a high chance of survival. Despite being born with Cerebral Palsy, a low birth weight, requiring a feeding tube, and spending the first 2 months of her life in NICU, she survived.
Deja did not only survive, she thrived! Deja defied the odds her whole life.
Deja’s mom was informed she would never walk, would not go to school, and she would have complications her whole life. Deja proved them wrong. She learned to move on her own, communicate non verbally, and become a high school graduate. Through the unbelievable care of her mother Catrina with the support of family and friends, Deja was able to live a happy and healthy life. Sadly on May 10, 2019 Deja’s mother Catrina lost her battle with Ovarian cancer. Catrina loved and cared for Deja even in her final days.
With the loss of her mother, Deja’s big sister Kiaarra became her legal guardian and caregiver. Kiaarra loved and cared for Deja just as her mother had before her. Kiaarra demonstrated honor, courage, and commitment by stepping in and caring for her sister until her final day.
Deja accomplished so many amazing feats in her short time with us. She was able to overcome many of the obstacles that life presented to her and thrive, not just survive. She embodied resilience, strength, and courage her entire life. On August 6, 2024 Deja passed away unexpectedly and suddenly. She leaves behind her sister Kiaarra Walker, brother Devin Reed, aunt Lashaunda Walker, uncle Ricardo Walker, father Dontraven Reed and many other family, friends, and supporters.
Since that tragic day our family has been trying to understand what happened in hopes that we can find some kind of closure, bury her with the dignity she deserves, and begin the healing process . We unfortunately had to pay for a private autopsy in hopes to get the answers we so desperately seek as one was not issued or requested by Cuyahoga County Coroners Office or Deja's doctor. We have already covered these expenses and we come to our many family members, friends, and all our supporters asking not only for financial assistance burying Deja but your continued prayers, well wishes and all other forms support you have already given as this will be a very long healing process for us all.
Deja was born August 13, 1997 to Catrina Walker and Dontraven Reed. Catrina’s pregnancy and delivery had quite a few complication's. It was clear early on Deja had her mother’s spirit and was a fighter. Doctors and medical professionals did not give Deja a high chance of survival. Despite being born with Cerebral Palsy, a low birth weight, requiring a feeding tube, and spending the first 2 months of her life in NICU, she survived.
Deja did not only survive, she thrived! Deja defied the odds her whole life.
Deja’s mom was informed she would never walk, would not go to school, and she would have complications her whole life. Deja proved them wrong. She learned to move on her own, communicate non verbally, and become a high school graduate. Through the unbelievable care of her mother Catrina with the support of family and friends, Deja was able to live a happy and healthy life. Sadly on May 10, 2019 Deja’s mother Catrina lost her battle with Ovarian cancer. Catrina loved and cared for Deja even in her final days.
With the loss of her mother, Deja’s big sister Kiaarra became her legal guardian and caregiver. Kiaarra loved and cared for Deja just as her mother had before her. Kiaarra demonstrated honor, courage, and commitment by stepping in and caring for her sister until her final day.
Deja accomplished so many amazing feats in her short time with us. She was able to overcome many of the obstacles that life presented to her and thrive, not just survive. She embodied resilience, strength, and courage her entire life. On August 6, 2024 Deja passed away unexpectedly and suddenly. She leaves behind her sister Kiaarra Walker, brother Devin Reed, aunt Lashaunda Walker, uncle Ricardo Walker, father Dontraven Reed and many other family, friends, and supporters.
Since that tragic day our family has been trying to understand what happened in hopes that we can find some kind of closure, bury her with the dignity she deserves, and begin the healing process . We unfortunately had to pay for a private autopsy in hopes to get the answers we so desperately seek as one was not issued or requested by Cuyahoga County Coroners Office or Deja's doctor. We have already covered these expenses and we come to our many family members, friends, and all our supporters asking not only for financial assistance burying Deja but your continued prayers, well wishes and all other forms support you have already given as this will be a very long healing process for us all.
Organizer
Kiaarra Walker
Organizer
Cleveland, OH