.png)
DEDICATION VIDEOS
DJ TURPIN'S
MEMORIAL POND DEDICATION
Every year I try to do something special to commemorate my murdered son DJ Turpin’s birth and death date. It has become increasingly difficult to do, but I never want him to be forgotten! This year I decided to build 2 memorial ponds at the house in his honor. One in the front and one in the back. They were dedicated on June 16, 2024. DJ loved the ocean. The soothing sounds of the water are tranquil and peaceful. Planting the flowers around it has been therapeutic for me. It looks good in the daytime but is absolutely beautiful at night with the lights shining on them. This will probably be the last “big thing” I do. I’m outta ideas! Each year I will add a flickering light to correspond with his birthday and murder date. Hopefully he can see them twinkling all the way from heaven. This year there will be 33 lights to honor his birthday and 7 on his murder date. “Happy Heavenly Birthday Son!” I feel so guilty that you didn’t get to stay here to live your life and I’m still here. If I could switch with you I would “in a heartbeat!” DJ, you are loved, missed and remembered! Enjoy the light show! It was done with lots of love!
A LOVING TRIBUTE
REMEMBERING DJ
It’s hard to believe DJ has been gone for a year. The tremendous heartbreak and excruciating pain has not lessened any. It probably never will. To honor his memory I created a video entitled “A Loving Tribute: Remembering DJ”. Please take a few minutes to get a small glimpse of the real life he lived.
BROTHERLY LOVE
Because of extreme difficulties finding students applying for the DJ Turpin Memorial Scholarship we’ve decided to end it. Thank you to all who donated. After an exhausting and excruciating search for a recipient with a lack of interest, we decided we had been ignoring the obvious and only choice. The final scholarship was awarded to his little brother Zion Turpin. He met all the qualifications and had the financial need. In the end there is no doubt that DJ would have wanted to end it that way. He continues to help his brother succeed even in death. Congratulations Zion, continue to make your big brother proud!
His brother, Zion and I have accomplished much to keep DJ’s memory alive. Developing this website, showcasing his artwork, establishing a memorial art scholarship in his name and starting a movement called “DJ’s Dare” to address stopping this senseless violence and eliminating the shame and stigma of mental illness.
We invite you to please donate $5 to his scholarship fund. 100% of the proceeds go to help a needy Ky State University Art student. Just click on the donate link and put his name in the KSU comments so the money goes directly to his cause.
We also “Dare you” to take the “DJ’s Dare Challenge” and scroll down the page for lots more. Don’t forget to “Like” this website. I hope DJ is proud & smiling in heaven knowing he is very much “Loved, Missed & Remembered”. “Rest In Peace Son!”
CONGRATULATIONS
DESTONI
“Destoni Has It!”
Congratulations to Destoni Anderson, the 1st recipient of the DJ Turpin Memorial Art Scholarship! A $1000.00 check, in his name, will be given to Kentucky State University towards her tuition. Hopefully this will be the first of many. I’m sure DJ is looking down from heaven and smiling ear to ear. He’d be so proud. Thanks to KSU’s Alumni Association for allowing us to give this special recognition. “Thank you” to all of our family and friends who donations made this all possible, and also to help to honor DJ’s memory. It is not a coincidence that the first recipient’s name is Destoni. It’s a real blessing! Please continue to donate so we can help future students in need. It’s djsdestiny!
DJ'S STORY
DJ Turpin was a beautiful baby, a cute & kind kid who grew into a very handsome, intelligent and extremely talented young man. He had experiences in his short life that many would love to have had. He shook hands with the country’s first black president. Attended Obama’s first inauguration. Met Muhammad Ali and got his first golf lesson from Tiger Woods as a cub scout on Shawnee’s Golf course.
Something changed in his late teen years. He hung around the wrong people doing the wrong things. These so-called friends weren’t there when he really needed them. They never are. DJ struggled with addiction and mental issues. He (and others close to him) were in denial and did not take his illness as seriously as they should have. I always said things would end up badly if he didn’t get the help he desperately needed. It did. He’s dead because of the bad choices he made, but his death will not be in vain. He finally found his passion. It was creating real, honest art. He found his purpose after his brutal murder and untimely death. DJ’s destiny is to stop the stigma and shame of discussing and acknowledging mental illness. We’ve started a movement and a scholarship in his name. Will you help us?
DJ’s Art Gallery
DJ left us with an abundance of art work that we’d like to share. He would be so pleased that his work is being seen by viewers. DJ’s Destiny will feature a piece of his unique creations periodically.
DJ'S CHALLENGE
Dare Ya to color the image on the page below as a tribute to DJ's artistic talent. Share your message online. Care enough to challenge someone else to do the same
