D.J. Boothe

D.J. Boothe, 27, of Pine Bluff, was a young man who defied odds and did not let his physical and mental limitations stop him from living his life to the fullest. He died Monday, November 15, 2021 surrounded by his family. Born Rodney Douglas Boothe, Jr. July 26, 1994 in Dumas, he was the son of Rodney Douglas Boothe, Sr. and Karen Paschall Boothe. At seven months old, he was diagnosed with a rare disease called Leigh’s Syndrome. The doctors originally told his parents that he would not live past the age of one. Despite being wheelchair-bound for much of his life and not being able to attend regular school, D.J. kept a positive attitude and graduated from Jenkins Memorial School. He still regularly attended the Jenkins Memorial adult program. He enjoyed playing baseball in the Pine Bluff Challengers League, bowling with friends and family, watching movies, and watching WWE wrestling. His favorite movies included Space Jam and Water Boy. D.J. was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard Pope. Survivors include his mother, Karen Paschall Boothe; brother, Brenden Boothe of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Morgan and Brooklyn Boothe, both of Pine Bluff; maternal grandparents, Wanda Paschall of Pine Bluff and Wayne and Evelyn Paschall of Star City; father, Rodney Douglas Boothe, Sr. of Pine Bluff; paternal grandmother, Lola Pope of Star City; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and his Jenkins Memorial family who loved him dearly. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Brother Landon Dutton officiating. Interment will follow in Walnut Lake Cemetery in Dumas. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson’s. Memorials may be made to Jenkins Memorial Center, 2410 Rike Drive, Pine Bluff, Aek. 71603. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com