Tributes

Daeja Keshonda Arnold, daughter of Demetrius Dickens Forbes and Curtis W. Arnold, peacefully departed this life Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Duke Medical Center after battling an ongoing fight with Cirrhosis of the Liver. Daeja was born on July 15, 1999, and from a small age we could tell she was born to be a performer. With stars in her eyes, Daeja’s fearless charm, took her from one stage to another. She started out with the J. C. Park dance team, and then hit the front page of the Reflector with the CM Eppes Pink step team. We all knew Daeja was destined to be great. She had that “it” factor that landed her a spot on the DH Conley step team, J H Rose dance squad and finally were she found her home, with the Caution Cx2 Step Team. Daeja grew up alongside Keashawne Dickens. These two were thick as thieves, more than merely cousins, they were best friends. They always had each other’s back even when it came to getting into trouble. They shared the passion of dance and made many videos that we still enjoy watching. At age fifteen Daeja was blessed with another brother, Clayton Forbes. He came into this world and stole her heart away. She made sure he would always know how much he meant to her and she left videos behind to make sure of it. Daeja’s family is her heart and she slowly prepared us for her homegoing. Daeja was an angel here on earth on earth and to have her in your presence was a true blessing. Although she was fighting her own internal battle, her silly, loving, outgoing personality could easy make you forget all the troubles in the world. She will be missed greatly and words can’t express the pain we feel at times. Just remember the sun will rise again and he made sure that we would all have happy memories of her. So whenever you start to feel sad, search your memories. You will see that Daeja has left her mark and with that smile on your face, she can finally rest peacefully. Daeja is survived by father, Curtis W. Arnold; mother, Demetrius Dickens Forbes and step-father, Chad Forbes, Sr.; brothers, Jermarris Arnold, Chad Forbes, Jr., Cayden and Clayton Forbes; aunts, Monique Hardy, Tina Parker, Patrice Swindell, Stacy Arnold, Swanee Kea, Katrina Sweets, Sharon Crowell Jones, India Crowell; uncles, David Pettaway, Rodney Crowell, Fred Crowell, Jr., Corey Hunter, Quantellis Dickens, Nicholas Maye, Brad and Chad Swindell, and Kenneth; grandparents, Vicky Maye, Florence Arnold, William Arnold; a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ms. Daeja Keshonda Arnold

July 15, 1999 - November 13, 2016