Donald Jerome Rainford
January 25, 1988 - September 11, 2020
Donald Jerome Rainford, affectionately known as “DJ”, was born to Donald and Sharon Rainford of Bear, Delaware, on January 25, 1988. He was the middle child of three blessed children.
DJ was educated in the Colonial School District. He graduated in 2006 from William Penn High School in New Castle, Delaware. He continued his education by attending college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where he received his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law Government in 2010. He also attended Widener University in Wilmington, Delaware where he earned his Paralegal Certificate in Corporate Law in 2011.
During his free time, DJ enjoyed various hobbies including fishing, bicycle riding, skateboarding, airbrushing, barbering, and making music on his sound board. In high school, DJ was baptized at Cornerstone Church in Bear, DE where he also served as a youth group leader. His close friends note his most admirable trait as being able to find comedy in everything. He loved spending time with his childhood friends, Ben Cole and Joe Higgin, who remember taking long road trips with DJ hanging his leg out the window. DJ also enjoyed writing, hiking, walking nature trails and faithfully volunteering at the SPCA. His college friend, Nick Thomas, remembers DJ as being loving, smart, charismatic, and playfully stubborn. DJ also honored and valued his family and heritage; and all those who loved him knew him to be obnoxiously proud of being Jamaican.
DJ’s employment background included being a Locomotive Engineer at Savage Services in Delaware City, DE and a Locomotive Conductor at Watco Companies in Houston, TX. He was last employed as a mechanic at Gulftainer USA at the Port of Wilmington (Delaware).
DJ departed this Earth on Friday, September 11, 2020. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Donald and Sharon Rainford; 2 brothers, Yanique Sr. and Jason Rainford (Samantha); his paternal grandmother, Rosamond Rainford; his maternal grandmother, Cherril Anderson; 1 niece, Yazlynn Shackleford; 2 nephews, Yanique Rainford Jr. and Liam Rainford; as well as a host of special aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and relatives in the United Kingdom, Canada, Barbados, and Jamaica.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 11 am until 12:30 pm on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Facemasks will be required for all in attendance.
David C. Williams
May PEACE & STRENGTH be with the Family and Friends of DJ Rainford. I first met him in his teen years and worked with him at Savage. I knew him to be quiet and always respectful. No Doubt that He’ll be Missed by Many. Much LOVE & More RESPECT along with my Deepest Sympathies.
Richard Schaffe
Rip cuz you will be surely missed love you always
sharon rainford
I miss you my baby mom will always love you my dear son
Love your mama
Donna Dixon
What can I say my nephew DJ so full of life is gone to be with his maker. May his soul RIP. To my sister Sharon and her husband Donald Snr may you both find comfort in the Lord and trust his decision. I know it’s hard and I continue to pray for you all Yanique and Jason as well. Love you all, if love could bring back life DJ would be here. 💔
Maxine Antoinette Kennedy
My deepest condolences to Sharon, Don and the entire family. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. I pray the good Lord will give you all strength and comfort in this difficult time. Love always.
From: Maxine, Jordan and Family
Dominic Headley
My beautiful cousin DJ, your time with us has been short but you will always be in our hearts. Go in peace to be with angels. Love you always. Cousin Dominic 🙏🏾 xxx
Fay Grocia
My sincere condolences to Sharon, Don and the rest of the bereaved family may the comforting arms of God embrace you and give you strength. “I‘ll lend you for a little time a child of mine, he said, for you to love while he lives and mourn for when he‘s dead……. We‘ll shelter him with tenderness, we‘ll love him while we may and for the happiness we‘ve known, forever grateful stay. But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we‘ve planned, we‘ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. Soar with the Angels DJ you are now in God’s hands. Love you Sharon & Don.
Pamela Fletcher
Dear Sharon, Don and family may God’s embrace comfort you and provide strength during this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy,
Pam & Al Fletcher
Sonia Anderson-Oliver
My condolences to the family and may God bless you all.
Sophia Schaffe
Love you cuz, you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Don Rainford
My dear Son, you will always be loved remembered and your journey in this life cherished. Now you are in the arms of the good Lord. Rest in peace.
Stacy Lazarus
Dan and Pinky may you find peace and comfort in the Lord and also in the wanderful memorries of your son DJ .I am really sorry for your lost.
Terryann Schaffe-Odeleye
Rest in peace my angel. My heart is heavy, however, I know you are in the presence of God. You are an amazing young man. I am truly blessed to be your cousin. With ❤️ always (cousin Cutie).
John Brunson
Don and Sharon you have My Condolences May you and your Family have be blessed and May DJ Rest In Peace Much Love Always to the Family
Patricia Anderson-henry
It is with heartfelt sadness that I extend condolences to Don, his dear wife and family on the passing of your son. I can’t imagine your pain, but I do pray God grant you strength each passing day. May the memories your son leaves behind bring joy to your heart. God bless and keep you.
STEPHEN GEORGE DIXON SNR.
DJ my nephew “sleep in peace papa” you are greatly missed no words can describe how much.
*LOVE YOU NEPH*
You will always be in our hearts ❤️ and forever in our memories 💖
Melody Jones
Rest In Peace young man.
Roxanne Robinson Smith
Rip cuz you will be surely missed love you always.
Annif Forsythe
Sincere condolences my dear cousin on the lost of your son. May his soul RIP.
Asneth Murphy
RIP cuz, you will never be forgotten.
Gone too soon.
Jenice Dixon
My deepest condolences to my sister Sharon and Don I have no words this is beyond sad and I pray that the Lord cover the Rainford family in this time…DJ I still can’t believe it, you where such a pleasant kid.I can recall asking how you can smile so and in return I could get that hug.I know this is not the end sleep on my nephew…forever in our ❤️
Janet Brooks
Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul Rest in eternal peace and light perpetual shine upon him. Like a commet sailing across the evening sky, gone too soon🙏
Simone Riley
I’m lost for words Sharon & Donald Snr but God is a healer. If you trust the Lord, cry the tears, process the grief, and continue to have faith that God will move you forward. May everyone, at their own pace, find comfort and peace in time. Just know that family, friends and loved ones are all walking together with you on God promise; Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
I believe and pray God will give you the strength you need to get through each day. And on days when you feel you just can’t go another step, God will carry you. God will also be your refuge. A place you can go and just hide in him. He will embrace you with his everlasting arms. He will be your safe place.
Always remember that the one who holds you is almighty, all powerful, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God will be your strength and your place of refuge.
Love ❤️ Always & forever….
Simone & Kyle 🙏🏽
Peter Smith
Condolences to you, Sharon and to your husband and rest of family. May your son RIP.
ina m teagle
DJ I will always love 💘 you and miss your beautiful smile Aunt Doll ❤
Andrea
Rest in peace DJ. You will be missed by my family,Peter. Kevin, kevan and Kevanie. Love always.
Pauline Anderson
RIP DJ, ýou will be missed by your entire family and friends cuz, but only God knows the answer. Don & Pinky (Sharon) you have done your best to nurture and care for DJ, his memories will continue to be cherished by all who knew him. Continue to be strong and comforted in God’s grace, blessings
Andrew Corcoran
Thoughts and prayers are with you, God bless.
Anthony Gordon
Sharon and Don our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Continue to be strong in the Lord. I leave this verse of scripture with you. Psalms 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit 🙏🏾
Anthony knight
My condolence to the family
Dorette Brown
On behalf of the members of HOP, we send sincere condolences to the Rainford family. We know this is a difficult time for you. We pray that God’s strength and comfort will abide with you throughout this season. RIP Donald, beloved son and brother.
Nadine Curry
My condolences to Don and Pinky. My heart goes out to you and your family. May the Lord gives you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Mr. Phillip Feurtado
DJ will be missed but in our hearts and thoughts forever.
Greta Anderson
Donald and Sharon I am so broken to hear of Donald Jr’s passing. I pray God’s comfort for you and your family at this time.
Andria
Rip, my condolences
Earl Thomas
Dear Don, Sharon and Family,
My family and I are sending our deepest sympathy and prayers across the miles from Los Angeles to you at this time of sadness and grief for the loss of your beautiful and dear son DJ. We are with you in spirit and we ask God to give you comfort and strength and hope. May all of the wonderful memories of joy and love and happiness that you shared with DJ eventually turn your tears of grief into smiles of gentle joy. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of DJ and your family and some of the biography of his life. Truly he was loved and gave his love in return and in that he lived a most fulfilling life. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.
David mckoy
rip cuz love you until we meet again see you on the other side one love
Sandra Jackson
This handsome young man will be surely missed, my condolences goes out the very special parents of Dj and also to the Dixon family 👪 from Sandra Hedge and family may God guide you all and protect you all under his wings 🙏
Vicky Wheeler
Sharon , Don and Family, Ty and I are so sorry for your loss. There are no words , we will continue to pray for your comfort and healing at this difficult time.
Jonelle Murph
I send my heart felt condolences to the Rainford Family.
Jonelle Murph family friend
Lori Ann Carroll
Dear Donald, Sharon & Family,
We are so very sorry to hear this. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you all.
Peace be with you all in this difficult time.
Heart felt condolences,
Thomas & Lori Ann Carroll & Family
Margaret Carter
Sharon and Don, my deepest condolences. DJ, may your light continue to shine among us all. You were loved by many. Your physical presence may be taken away from us but your spirit lives on. Sleep in peace Love 💜 🕊
Lorna Ellis
To the family my deepest condolences, gone too soon but will never be forgotten. Sam & Lorna Ellis from Worcester MASSACHUSETTS.
Robert Rainford
From Robert Rainford and family in Jamaica.
Although we never met physically, we were connected by the bloodline and through connection with your Dad, Bunny, my first cousin. It is such a sad occasion especially that we here in Jamaica will not be physically able to be with the family at this time but God knows that in our heart we are there with you all in spirit. May the treasured memory DJ live on in our hearts and the God of all comfort support us all in this time of bereavement.
Shelena Wilkins
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of DJ. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Ann-Marie Rainford
Rest in the arms of the angels my darling with your loved ones in paradise 🙏🏽
Sending Peace Love and Light to your earth loved ones so their healing will be gentle ❤️
Monica Gordon
May the grace of God be with you all in your time of grief. Can’t be there in person, but my heart is there with you.
Millicent Rainford-Battick
He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. Rest in the arms of the Lord cuz. ❤❤❤❤❤
Michelle Pedraza
My condolence to family and friends of this Angel that departed too soon, May the love, courage and strength of Jesus Christ be with you during this difficult time. Only our father in heaven can heal this pain. We are always available for you. Love always: Michelle, Miss -P, Sterlet, Mark and Family.
Norma
We extend our deepest sympathies to Sharon, Don and Family during this period of mourning. You both grieve deeply because you both love deeply. You’re are allowed and you’re not alone. Jerome is gone but his memories will live in our hearts forever. Please know that we’re here for you at anytime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Kurt,Norma Martin and Family.
Anne-Marie Stewart Wright
It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to a cousin, who has been robbed of life at such a young age. We look forward to the day when we will meet again, when there will be no more tears or death.
To my dear cousin Donald and Sharon, may you and the rest of the family feel God holding you and comforting you through this heart wrenching time. We are here whenever you need us Lots of love Anne-Marie, Andrew, Alastair and Tony xxx
Christine Tyson
RIP Cuz, PRAYERS goes out of the neck of the woods Just Natural family, soooo soooo sorry, you had to go so soon, but we’ll meet in heaven some day. Prayers to your family be strong in this heart shaking time, but God knows what’s best PURE LOVE and BLESSINGS until.
Dawn. West
My sincere condolences to Mr n Mrs Rainford may God comfort both of u in ur time of grief always in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😇😇😇😇❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tiffany Brown
My sincerest condolences to all of Donald’s family and friends. I graduated with Donald in 2006! He was a happy, funny, one of a kind individual. May God grant you all with peace and comfort! ♥️
Nyron cameron
my sincere condolences to the family during this very challenging time. Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Nyron Cameron
Staff Members of Jamaican Cafe Cuisine
LeRoy Bowser
RIH NEPHEW I WILL MISS YOU UNTIL WE AGAIN LOVE YOU ALWAYS
Ted Willis
My prayers will be with you and family
.
Fay Dennis
Pinky and Don, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Tricia Younger
Rest well in heavenly peace cousin , I love and miss you.
Derrick and Vonnette Douglas and family
Dear Sharon, Bunny and family. No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through. We are sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this very difficult time. Death leaves heartaches no one can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal.
Ryan Congo
Prayers and my condolences to the family. Dj will be missed.
I love you bro…Keep us close.
-Ryan (est. 1996)
Jean McQueen
Dear Sharon and Don,
I was saddened to hear about the loss of your precious son, DJ. May God strengthen you, the family and his friends during this difficult time. You are in my prayers and you have my deepest condolences. May he RIH.
Ken Hollis
Heartfelt condolences to the family of DJ Rainford. I remember this young Man being one of the kindest of students at Gunning Bedford during his middle school years. Always very respectful in my classroom.
Often surrounded by many friends while appearing to be the shy one in the group. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to his family.
Michelle(Ms. Consie's niece
Don and Pinky my heart grieve with you. God is our refuge and strength; so I pray God strengthen and comfort you and all your family. May He send his Balm to soothe & heal your hearts. And may God give you peace in days ahead.
Marjorie McKain
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Terence Fletcher
I want to give my condolences to the Rainford family. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort during this hard time. I encourage you to remember the good times and the joy that Donald has brought.
I went to high school with Donald and he was probably one of the coolest guys that I knew. Always joking, and never once heard a negative thing from him. He was someone that you always wanted to be around. I will miss him dearly, he was a great friend.
Kerryann Daley
sincere condolences to Sharon, Don and the rest of the bereaved family may the comforting arms of God embrace you and give you strength.💔💔
Nicola
Dear Don & Sharon
Sending our deepest condolences. You are in our prayers.
With love from the UK. Nicola and family.xxx
Kimberly A Stevens
Sending gentle hugs your way to comfort you all and to let you know that you’re on our minds and in our hearts today and always. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. Keith & Kim
Radcliffe Anderson (Georgie)
My deepest condolences to my dear friends Don & Sharon, also to the rest of DJ’s family and friends.. May God continue to bless each of you and give you the strength to move forward in this very difficult time… Sleep in Peace DJ..
Nina McCollistee
Such an amazing boy my prayers are with your family.
RON RON
DJ you will truly be miss but never forgotten ILA 1694 #RESPECT💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Nancy Greer
Dear Sharon, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I pray that Holy Spirit holds you close, guides you and comforts you during these difficult days. I love you and I’m here for you if there is anything you need. ❤️
Sharona Pearson
My condolences to Sharon and Don This is a huge loss but I pray the lord gives you both strength to endure this pain and that you will find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of DJ.
DJ my little cuz my Little rabbit My heart is heavy right now I will always love you and can never forget you Rest In Peace until we meet again.
Audrey Eubanks
Dear Don and Sharon,
I don’t always understand God’s timing, or even how to express my thoughts right now. I read Deuteronomy 29:29 where it speaks about the secret things that belong only to the Lord our God. What I remember is the love I saw in you both when you spoke about your son, stories that brought smiles. So, for the moments that words don’t reach, my prayer for your family is that God meets you all where you are and gives you whatever you need in those moments.
With Love,
Audrey Eubanks & Family
Harold &Jackie
In the midst of the struggle and the pain that you’re going through, God has a purpose. Though all your darkest times, god has a light on you. During your coldest hour, god has you covered in warmth and comfort. Your faith in god will never leave you lost, alone or worried. If or when you ever need us just call us… Harold & Jackie
Lorraine Pringle
Condolences to your family
-Pringle’s
Rich Leighton
I am extremely sorry to hear about your loss.
He has definitely left an indelible impact.
Accept my deepest condolence.
Keeping his family in my prayers.
Rich Leighton & Family
Carmen C Tyrell
Heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Bunny- Sharon-Mother Rainford-Yanique-Jason and the rest of the family. Grieve you must but remember we loved Dj well but Jesus loved him best. He is at rest in a better place in the arms of the Lord. May his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shine on him always and forever.
Therese Tomlinson
My sincere condolences for your loss. May God’s love give you strength during this time.
Diane
My deepest sympathy to you Dan and Pinky. May you rely on the strength of the Almighty in this difficult time .
Claudette weir
A lovely young man that is gone too soon. Have fun in glory
Leo Lynch
The Lord does give and he also talked.
It is this Power that all things rest, even in this darkest of your, be mlndful that he is also our greatest comfort. Unto him all praises be.
My deepest condolences to both of you in this moment of deepest grief.
Simone chambers
sleep in peace my dear cuz..love u always!! I know God has a special plan for u in heaven..til we meet again you will never be forgotten peace and love❤️🕊🙏🏾
Christine Lennon
To my beloved cousin DJ, even though we didn’t get to spend much of our lives together, you will be missed, I know that you’re with our Heavenly Father who will comfort you more than I could on earth. I thank The lord for the time he lend your precious life to me and having you as apart of my blood family was a joy, with my heart pounding and my tears rolling down I love you DJ wish I could stand their in person to say my fair well. God be with you every step of your journey back home 🙏🏿😘😘😘😘😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Rose Livingston
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sharon family’s. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you all tomorrow. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort.
Rose, Laurence and Kerriann
Wendy Wilkins Walden
My deepest condolences to Don and Sharon. DJ’s memories will forever live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved him.
jennevieve malcolm and Ms Myers
My Deepest sympathy to the Rainford Family. I pray for your strength in this time of sorrow. May His soul rest in peace.
Mariam brown
We will miss u love
Shannon kelly
My condolences to the reinford family mom n dad please accept my heart felt condolences may his soul Rest In Peacerrom Shannon kelly
Dionne Porter
My heart goes out to the entire family. I’ll be praying for each and everyone of you. DJ was pure joy and always made me laugh. I love you. May God be with you during this heartbreaking time. All my love and prayers!
Debbian Pinnock
My sincere condolences to you Sharon, Don and the rest of the family. I pray you will find comfort in God’s grace that will give you strength in this difficult season of your lives. God is faithful as He promises, and will see you through. RIP DJ
Raymond& Marcia Dillon
There are some things we cannot change and this is one of them. We grieve with you we know it’s unbearable and unbelievable but God is good all the time. He giveth and taketh blessed be his name. God’s grace is sufficient for you’ll. May He give you the strength to endure your pain.🙏🏽❤️Always!
Felecia Lennon
Cuzz you will truly be missed RIP🙏love you always ❤️
Jean Shiwpal
Don and Sharon I was very sad to hear about the loss of your precious beloved son DJ. May the Lord God Almighty strengthen you and your family during this grieving moment. You are in my prayerS and you have my deepest condolences
Dakari robinson
Condolences from me and the Tyreke family it’s tragedy what happen love and piece towards dj
Emil Dawkins
My sincere condolences to you all and may the memories of Don bring tears of joy and comfort.💝🙏🏽
Keith Baker
There are some things in life that we cannot control. Accepting this will help us to endure what may seem to be impossible burden. Leaning on those of us who surround you with love will offer some support until time ultimately heals.
Michael Wilson
Don, Sharon and the rest of family. I am truly sorry for your loss. DJ warms you with that subtle smile. Much Love and Prayers’ he is gone too soon.
Love…Michael
Veronica (Dev) Gosley Baker
Dear Don & Sharon:
Our sincere condolences to you, Ms. Rose, Yanique, Jason and the rest of the family.
We are saddened by your tragedy and even more devastated that we cannot be there with you physically due to COVID. We share you loss of a son, gone too soon.
God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will strengthen & sustain you today & in the days ahead.
RIP dear DJ, you will be greatly missed by everyone. God’s garden must be beautiful, for he only takes the best.
Love & hugs,
Dev, Keith, Kemi, Akil (Pat) & the boys.
Maureen Shaw Matherson
To Renee and family this is Maureen I do wish you all the best of comfort you’re in my thoughts in my prayers I am very saddened to hear of your loss and I wish you all the best of comfort peace in this time of need my condolences to all the family take care
Ty McNair
Rest in peace bro you will be missed
Jabril bailey
My friend from elementary school. Donald May you Rest In Peace bro. Much love – Jabril Bailey…..
Anon
I think about you most days, and it saddens me that you left this Earth so soon with so much more to do. Know that so many love you and keep your memory alive. Life was hard on you, may you rest now in peace.