Darnell R. Dean-Fisher (Lansing)

Mr. Darnell Ronshon Dean-Fisher exchanged time for eternity on August 29th, 2021, at McLaren Hospital Greater Lansing in Lansing, Michigan with his mom right by his side at the age of 25 years. On December 5th, 1995, in Lansing, Michigan a handsome baby boy entered this world as a “Fighter”. He was born to Fomici “Meka” Dean and Ronshon Fisher.

Darnell’s Journey started at the age of one year old when he was diagnosed with Adams Oliver Syndrome an extremely rare disease. He was 1 of 125 people in the world with this illness. Within that same year, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Even though he was sick he never let anything get him down. He was a true “ Warrior”! He had so many nicknames such as, “Nim Grim the Little Fat Sausage Baby”, “Mr. Do Something”, and “Faneto”. He was baptized at Pentecostal Outreach Church, known today as Tabernacle of David Church. Darnell accepted Christ at an early age. He was spiritual in the morning, listen to rap by noon, and was singing country by the evening time. Even though Darnell was smaller than the rest, he had a heart of gold and endurance. During his youth, he played basketball with the YMCA League and football for The Saints. Darnell attended J.W. Sexton High School. He was employed by The Clean Team, Los Tres Amigos, and Unique Movers & Solutions. Knowing Darnell was a guaranteed smile and laugh, a definite jokester he had a very big sense of humor, was very helpful, and was a giving young man. Darnell had many aspiring attributes, he was a beautiful soul, always affectionate, loving, intelligent, easy-going at times, endearing and charismatic, and quite handsome, his smile was infectious. He was an amazing son, brother, nephew, grandson, and most of all a great friend. He loved to spend quality time with his family and friends, if you were considered a friend you were embraced as family to Darnell. He loved dancing and singing Country Music. Darnell really thought he was going to American Idol, but his mom just couldn’t tell him he couldn’t sing one note! Some of his favorites were traveling, family night, and hanging out with his friends, he was also a die-hard University of Michigan fan and of course, a major trash talker when it comes down to his team winning. During his many stays at the hospital, Darnell took whatever circumstances came his way and never let it stop him from what he wanted to do! He brightened many people's days and nights that he encountered, he gave himself to others, sacrificed for others, and he always thought about others especially his mom, Meka who slept many nights by his bedside in a chair. She never left his side. Darnell fought a difficult battle, but he remained strong throughout his whole treatment process. His faith in God never wavered.

He leaves to honor and cherish his memory his loving and devoted mother, Fomici “Meka” Dean and dad, Ronshon Fisher; sisters, Marion Dean, Saalaha Dean–McClain, Miracle Dean–Smith; brother, Amir Dean–McClain; grandparents, Joe Giles, Vernita Payne, Maria Castillo, and Besty Lightfoot; aunts, Sandra Staton, Dorothy Armstrong, Greta (James) Wells; uncles, Charlie “BB” Dean, Ben Dean, Fred (Tamara) Dean, Bruce (Amanda) Scott; godparents, Joann Phifer, Jerry Lightfoot, Enrique Castillo, Jr.; brothers from other mothers, Enrique “Ricky” Castillo, III, Adrian Castillo, Brandon Lightfoot, Frankie Alvarez, Kane Alvarez, Doug Jackson, Alex Knox; many cousins, family, and friends.

Darnell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Barbara Dean, Bruce Scott, Sr., June Ann Jackson; aunt, Tiare Scott; cousin, Bryan Canty; and special friend, Thomas Collins.