If you were lucky enough to meet Dwyan Allen Jr. — or DJ, as everyone called him, you’d never forget him. He had a way of lighting up a room without saying a word, of making everyone feel seen, and of finding a reason to laugh even when life gave him every reason not to.
Born on July 17, 2010, DJ came into the world ready to make it better. He was his dad’s “Lil’ Boy Blue,” his mom’s heart walking around outside her body, and the center of gravity for his siblings — Nia, Cameron, Charlize, and Gabby, all of whom adored him beyond measure.
For two years, DJ faced Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and relentless cancer, with more courage and grace than most experience in a lifetime. He never once asked “why me.” Instead, he lived each day with his head held high, cracking jokes, teasing his nurses, and spreading joy like it was his superpower. His medical team affectionately called him the “Mayor of LCH 11” because he ruled his hospital floor with charm, laughter, and kindness. His friends in the Secret Service knew him as “Gameshow,” and he turned every moment — even chemo sessions — into something worth smiling about.
DJ passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2025, surrounded by the love that had carried him through every step of his journey. His parents, Dwyan and Jannine, and his siblings were close by — his favorite place to be.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, including his parents, Dwyan and Jannine Allen; his siblings, Nia, Cameron, Charlize, and Gabby; his grandparents Julia Allen, Gene Forde, and Jeannie Johnson; and the cherished memories of his grandfathers, Curley Allen Jr. and Maximus Vitalis. DJ was also surrounded by a village of love — his uncles Andre Vitalis, Graham (Kristy) Vitalis, Christopher (Michele) Vitalis, Darian Vitalis, Tommy (Kim) Allen, and Mark (Pamela) Allen; his aunts Sheron (Michael) Capers, Shelia (Dexter, dec.) Franklin, Kendra Allen, Lavada Vitalis, Nika Johnson, Jennitha Vitalis, Angela Bass (Ian) Greene, and Victoria (Vince) Kemp; and best friends Kai, Dorian, Trinity, Tre’Shaun — and a whole tribe of cousins, friends, and medical heroes who became like family.
DJ’s story isn’t defined by the cancer he fought, but by the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the courage he showed every single day. He was the kind of soul who changed people just by being himself. His smile, his heart, and his light will forever live on in the lives he touched.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 E Plaza Drive, Mooresville NC 28115. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 31, at the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Two amazing organizations who try to meet the needs of families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer. DJ worked hard to support those who supported him and his family: Claire’s Army and Jane’s Fund.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is serving the family.