Deanna Small

Please use the link below to access the live streaming of the memorial service for Deanna Small. The live streaming will begin at 12:30pm on Saturday, February 17, 2024. (not compatible with internet explorer or safari)

https://www.asimplestreaming.com/dsmall/

Deanna Small was born on April 16, 1967 in Chicago, IL. She was the first of two children born to and raised by her Mother Diane Boyd. Deanna grew up in a multi-unit, family only building, surrounded by her Mother Diane, sister Sharon, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Deanna attended Resurrection Grammar School and Whitney Young High School where she was well known at both schools as one of their brightest basketball stars, for which she received many accolades and trophies, including MVP. After high school, Deanna relocated to Cleveland Ohio where she meet many great friends and pursued many interests. She excelled in her career in Real Estate Property Management. She subsequently moved back to Chicago to be near her family.

When Deanna was two years old she suffered with what was thought to be a “terminal illness.” However, she fortunately recovered, and we were Blessed to have her with us for another 54 years.

In her earlier years, some of her favorite activities were biking, skating and participating in the multiple activities at the local park district. In recent years, Deanna enjoyed old black and white shows and movies, watching shows like “The Voice,” spending time talking and laughing with family and friends, and studying and preaching God’s Word.

Deanna had an exceptionally beautiful singing voice, although as she got older she became increasingly shy about sharing it with others. However, her voice was on full display when she played the lead role of Charlie Brown in a grammar school Peanuts Musical.

Deanna studied the Bible for many years throughout her life with her aunts and uncles and eventually became a loyal servant of Jehovah God. She loved to share the Good News of His love, guidance and promises with those that she encountered. A message that includes God’s original purpose that those resurrected will have the opportunity to live on a paradise earth (Luke 23:43). This promised future includes perfect health and everlasting life for humans. The Bible says “the righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it.” As her greatest and most fulfilling accomplishment, Deanna was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 25, 2021.

Deanna was preceded in death by: Grandparents LJ and Theola, stepfather Aubrey, father Gregory and uncles Harold and Anthony.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Mother Diane, sister Sharon, niece Morgan, aunts Denise (Dennis) and Beverly, uncle Steve, cousins Marcus, Brian and Pricilla, two additional sisters Yolanda and Tracy and many extended family members and friends, and her brothers and sister in the Truth.

We will miss Deanna very much and her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who loved her.

Scripture:

Psalm 73:26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Message:

This life will now be over, and my body is no more, Don’t grieve because I left you, for this world can be a chore, My suffering will be over, every trial and every test, I know that you will miss me but don’t weep for I’m at rest.

Acknowledgements:

The family of Deanna Small would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the abundance of love, kindness and prayers during this time.