Diontae Laury

Mr. Diontae DeMarcus Calvin Lorenzo Levell Laury, Jr., affectionately known as “Lil’ D” to his family and “Munk” to his friends, gained his wings and went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Saginaw, Michigan, age 21 years old. He was born on January 5, 2003, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Denise Barnes and Diontae Laury, Sr.

Lil’ D lived in Saginaw, Michigan all of his life. He attended Saginaw Public Schools. He went on to work for McDonald’s on Dixie Hwy in Saginaw, MI. When he was not on the clock working at McDonald’s, you can find him on the clock working for his grandfather “Tennessee” with lawn care or anything else that needed to be done.

Diontae was a God-fearing man who loved going to church, especially as himself which was none other than “Mr. Come As You Are.” Lil’ D loved his family and would do anything to help others. Though he may have to tell you like it is from time to time or hit you with the “Alright quit playing,” he would still give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, even when he didn’t have it. His favorite scripture was John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

He loved spending time with his family. Daddy-daughter time with Milana was his favorite. Lil’ D had a beautiful smile and face that you couldn’t say no to; he was loved and spoiled by everyone. To know him you had no other choice but to love him. He loved cooking breakfast for his grandfather Tennessee every morning. His specialty was frying chicken with his brother “Juice” assisting him with cooking fries. When it came to cooking those things let’s just say he thought he was the real-life “Chef-Boyardee.” He enjoyed being on Facebook, joking around with his siblings, listening to music, hanging with friends, and Grandma Jackie’s banana pudding. He truly enjoyed the life he lived and lived it to the fullest. 

Diontae leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, his only daughter: Milana Parks; parents: Denise Barnes and Diontae Laury, Sr.; grandparents: Jacqueline (Lorenzo) Jacocks, Josephine Shaw, Calvin (Yolanda) Gill Jr.; great-grandmother: Dorothy Gill; five sisters: DeShaunda “Neeka” Barnes, Brandi Barnett, Savannah Terrell, Jarmice Barnes, and Layla Laury; three brothers: Bernard Whittington Jr., Daniel “Juice” Laury, and Mason Ivey; eight aunts: Angie Barnes-Wells, Barbara Baker, Jeneva Barnes, Tiffany Sykes, Tia Adams, Danisha Roach, Shelia (Demond) Abraham, and Shirley (Chris) Williams; four uncles: DeMarcus (Joy) Laury, Chris York, Clarence (Detrianna) Barnes, and James Roach; three nieces: Dashariya Mclin, Hazel and Genisis Gomez; and one nephew: Bishop Norman. A host of other relatives and friends, including god-parents: Barbara Taylor and Frank Smith; two god-brothers: Omarr (Alessia) Taylor and Dayvontre Black,; two god-sisters: Keyaira York, and Temiea Anderson; special friends: Flexia Little, De’Khiyah Pipkins, DeTayvius and Jayden Morris, Micheal Lee, Micheal Manuel-Hill, and Malique Cannon, special cousins: Robert Bell Jr., Amarionna Clark, Karmyn Laury, Deonta Barnes, Jamarkes Smith Jr., Shavandra Grey, Ty’Kesha Black, Emmanuel Belvin, Mateen Chandler, Charles, Ashley, and Jasmine Barnes, Ta’Niyah and Ja’Miah Evans, and many more.

Diontae was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Willie Sue and Nathan Laury, Sr., Calvin Gill, Sr., grandfather: Clarence Barnes-Dick; brother: DeShawn Barnes; nephew: Jonathan Norman; cousins: Roy Lee Blaire and Tim Jackson; and friends: Ricky Davis, and Emari Collins.

The family would like to express special thanks to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, food, time, travel, genuine love and support throughout this journey. To Paradise Funeral Chapel, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Obed Thompson, Jr. and its staff for giving their support and helping us transition during our time of need. May God forever bless you all for your selfless acts of love.