Deon Christopher Nowell was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to loving parents Brenda Brown Simmons and Nathaniel Christopher Nowell on January 07, 1981. He was educated in Charleston County Schools and proudly graduated from Middleton High School, Class of 1999. Deon continued his education at Trident Technical College and was recently enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University, pursuing his bachelor's degree in psychology with enthusiasm and purpose - always striving for growth and excellence.

From an early age, Deon's life was rooted in faith. He found Christ as a child and began his Christian journey at Springfield Baptist Church and Olive Branch Baptist Church, attending regularly with his grandfather Zackies Brown, who helped nurture his spiritual foundation. That faith guided Deon through every chapter of his life while shaping his compassion, his resilience, and his unwavering belief in second chances.

On April 25, 2020, Deon married Quanisha Nichols, who was the love of his life. They were together for eight and a half years and were married for six. They met at a t-shirt factory (Vapor Apparel) in June of 2018, where their eyes met for the first time. While sitting down on a stool his wife's first words to him was "It's hot in here and your fan isn't working, you can take mine". It was then that their relationship began to bud. During their fourth year of marriage they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Gabriella Todora Nowell, who became his joy. Deon developed a never ending bond with his baby girl Gabriella and they would never end their day together without a dance and a song to go with it. Deon adored his family deeply. A typical day at the house consisted of long walks outside, movie and game night, singing, pulling pranks on one another and good conversation followed by immediate laughter. He also loved to cook and made a mean tuna nacho. His favorite meal consisted of a good hot dog, crinkled fries and his favorite sweet chilli sauce on top. Deon was an exceptional husband, father, and an outstanding man! He was a husband who loved out loud and a father whose pride in his daughter was unmatched.

Throughout his life, Deon faced the challenges of sickle-cell disease with remarkable courage and faith. Despite the physical trials, he never allowed his condition to define him. His resilience, humor, and determination inspired everyone around him - a true testament to his strength and unwavering spirit.

Beyond his professional and creative gifts, Deon found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, always cheering his team with pride. Some of his happiest memories were fishing trips with his grandfather, moments that deepened his love for family and nature. Among his many talents, Deon was also known for his expressive mime performances, his skills at bowling, carpentry, Art, spoken word, poetry, photography, playing pool, graphic design and his ability to light up a room with his smile. His spirit was magnetic - he lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired everyone around him to do the same.

Professionally, Deon was a man of many gifts. As a Facilitator teaching Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Turn 90 (formerly Turning Leaf), he dedicated himself to helping men that came out of prison get a job, develop life long skills as well as have a second chance at life. His work was more than a job - it was HIS CALLING. He believed that everyone was equal and had value.

Deon's creativity knew no bounds. He was the proud owner of IRBE Creatives & Photography (in honor of his cousin Iraj R. Brown who preceded him in death), where his talents as a graphic designer, photographer, and t-shirt artist came to life. His YBE (You Being Empowered) apparel line reflected his mission to uplift others. He was the co-founder of "DAS GAS LLC". 'What's Gas in Your Life?" alongside his nephew Javon Richardson and cousins - Frank Simmons Jr. and Khiry Brown. Every project he touched carried his signature blend of artistry and inspiration with God at the center of it all.

He also attended World Harvest Community Church regularly where he was a light to so many people. He would always be found sitting on the right side of the church holding his daughter and engaging in praise and worship to God from his heart. He would also engage in talking to the youth and mentoring those who needed guidance. He would oftentimes enjoy watching the media team work as well as hearing about the outreach team. He found so much joy in serving others by showing love as well as being a listening ear to those who needed it.

Deon also found joy and fellowship around the pool table - a space where his laughter, focus, and leadership came alive. He was the captain of one of the Fast Break Pool League teams on Tuesdays, as well as a part of another team on Thursdays. He brought life, humor as well as competition and great skill to each game that he played. He loved to also play in tournaments with other team mates as well. Deon was considered an 8 in 8 and 9 ball, and he would help coach others during tournaments. His passion for the game was what made him such a great player. Deon had won over 50 badges and several plaques as he played throughout the years.

A gifted writer and poet, Deon co-authored "In Their Own Words" the Phone Booth Initiative with his sister Tartanita Nowell and fellow members of Turn 90, in partnership with the Charleston County Public Library. His words had rhythm and soul whether spoken or written, they moved people. He was a mentor with The I AM Foundation and Distinguished Gentleman, guiding young men with wisdom, humor, and heart. Deon's greatest gift was his ability to see potential in others and help them see it too

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Deacon Zackies Brown and Mrs. Dorothy Brown, Mr. Dan Nowell and Mrs. Ernestine Nowell; Mr. Christopher Fields, Great-Grandmothers, Mrs. Susan B. WestonmLillie Jones ;Step-father Henry Simmons; Aunts, Elaine Patton, Mary Ann Shaw; brother, Mr. Iraj R. Brown and brother-in-law Brian Coaxum as they all welcome him home.

He leaves behind his devoted wife Quanisha Nowell his cherished daughter Gabriella Nowell, his loving parents Mrs. Brenda Simmons (the late Henry Simmons) and Mr. Nathaniel Nowell (Kathy), his sisters: Tartanita Nowell, Courtney Nowell, Aaliyah Nowell, Tierra Poinsette, Michelle Williams, and brother, Dale Robinson. Godparents Mrs. Annette Simmons (MSgt Frank Simmons, (Ret.), Rosalie Bradley (SCPO Ricky Bradley, (Ret.), God-sisters Kena Miller, Syreeta Dendy (Gerard), God-brothers Frank Simmons Jr., Zachary Foster (Tarsha), Mother-in-law, Mrs. Virginia Toomer, (Reginald Toomer) and Alonzo Nichols, Grandparents-in-law (the late Oliver and Christine Hannah). And (the late Alonzo Nichols Sr. and Laverne Nichols), Ronald and Matha Cole, Sister-in-law Katrina Nichols aunts and uncles Linda Sampson (CSM Joe Sampson, Ret.), Zack Brown (April), Lillie White (late Reverend Dr. Arthur White), John Brown (Vera), Marilyn Drayton (Richard), Delores Youngblood, Lottie Mae Prioleau (SFC George Prioleau, (Ret.), Bernard Nowell (Beatrice), Robert Nowell (Jackie), aunt -in-laws Nathenia J. Cole, Donald Hannah (his special uncle), Valerie Kelly, Reginald Kelly (His other special Aunt and Uncle), and Marvin Youngblood. Deon was deeply devoted to family. He played a formative role in helping raise his nephews Javon, Iraj Jr. and Steven Wright II and nieces Kaitlyn and Tamya from infancy, while also cherishing his relationships with his many nieces and nephews across the family and a host of family members, friends, and mentees who will forever carry his light.

Deon lived boldly, loved deeply, and gave generously. His laughter, his art, and his faith in God will continue to echo throughout the lives he touched. Though his time with us was short, his impact will last forever - a reminder that purpose is not measured in years, but in the hearts we change along the way.