DEJA RAE REAVES  

DeJa Rae Reaves, affectionately known as “Pooh” was a bundle of joy, born in love to LaTroya Reaves and Jeremiah Frazier on July 2, 2004 filling their hearts with great laughter and anticipation of all the wonderful blessings God. Raised on Chicago's southside, she attended St. Elizabeth Elementary School in Bronzeville, later graduating from Newberry Academy in June of 2018. She enjoyed sweets, Twix, Reese’s, Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears and Airheads and her favorite foods were crab legs, lobster, steak and cheesecake. DeJa's was the "ultimate shopper" and her most favorite thing to do was shop at the mall.

Raised in church by God-fearing parents, DeJa was baptized at an early age, by Bishop Austin at St. Luke Church C.O.G.I.C. Chicago and given back to the Lord. Her free, loving and welcoming spirit was felt by every life she touched.

As a little girl, DeJa always asked for a baby brother or sister and when she finally became a big sister to Jojo, her world changed.She always kept JoJo with her as she sang to him, spending quality time with her siblings was her favorite thing to do. DeJa fully embraced her role as the big sistershe called them all her “beautiful babies.” That She dearly loved, cherished, and adored. Deja handled all of her siblings with love and care.

At the tender age of 9, DeJa began an interest in liturgical dancing and

developed naturally into the leader of many dance movements. She sought after to train others to flow in the ministry of dance as flawlessly as she did during praise and worship. She continued singing and dancing even with the International Youth Department under the leadership of Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy (International Youth Department leader). which continued throughout her elementary and high school years.

Deja was drawn to creative arts, Athletics, Music Arts, Dance, Choir, Ensembles, and Performing Arts. singing and playing guitar was her favorite thing to do, as she touched so many lives through her talents. Deja also became a proud member of the Soul Children of Chicago under the direction of Walt Whitman. There she traveled world wide, developing her gifts with other young people.

As a teenager, DeJa lived as a young lady of elegance and purpose. Along with rendering sermonic solos, which was quite an honor, DeJa had the fortunate of opening for gospel greats Jonathan McReynolds and Pastor Smokie Norful. Her talents extended to the stage and she participated in stage performances alongside her Father. Deja heightned her own musical journey as a musician by playing guitar and writing songs.

DeJa attended Ogden International High School, graduating in 2022 with a grade point average over 4.5. She excelled in her studies and becoming a member in the International Baccalaureate Program, focusing on professional development. Through this program, DeJa enrolled in double honors courses, which led to her being accepted to any college or university in the United States. Her goal was to pursue a career in criminal justice and become a lawyer to advocate for the rights and liberties of others. Especially those who were less fortunate to afford such services. Deja also played Volleyball, softball, and Golf for her school and The boys and girls club of America. Deja was afforded the oppurtunity to train with Hall of Fame Baseball Player Cal Ripken, Sr. In Baltimore, Maryland as well as 

In the fall of 2022, DeJa began her freshman year of collegiate studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University steadfast in her commitment to pursue a major in criminal justice. She quickly adapted becoming a beloved "sister" with her Aggie family at NCA&T. 

DeJa’s life was very impactful at the tendor age of 18, she was infused with strength, purpose destiny and greatness. As a continued commitment to her legacy The Rae Of Light Foundation has been founded and established.