DaVenia Jean Flagg, affectionately known as “DJ,” transitioned from labor to reward on August 6, 2026, at her home in Centralia, Illinois. Born on July 15, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Veronica Ann (Flagg) Smith and Tommie K. Smith, DJ was an amazing mother, sister, niece, daughter, cousin, and friend whose untimely passing has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
A lifelong resident of Centralia, DJ was truly one of a kind. She professed Christ at an early age and held on to that profession until her last breath. “Her smile and infectious laugh could brighten any room,” and her joyful presence uplifted everyone around her. She attended Centralia City Grade Schools and graduated from Centralia High School.
DJ worked for many years as a Mental Health Technician at the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center until an injury and illness left her disabled. She had many hobbies—baking, cooking, gardening, and building things—gifts she inherited from her mother and nurtured throughout her life. Her love for music was unmatched; anyone who knew her knew that Usher, Drake, and Aaliyah were her favorites. Usher and Drake even made it onto her license plates, and Aaliyah became the name of her beloved daughter.
She loved animals deeply. “If Old McDonald had it on his farm, she loved it,” and she cared for tropical fish, ducks, chickens, and her cherished German shepherd, Angel, with pride and affection.
Of all the titles DJ held, being Aaliyah’s mother exceeded them all. She loved her daughter dearly and devoted her entire life to her. She would often say that they were each other’s person, and her love for “Bootie,” as she affectionately called her, was a true demonstration of Agape love—a shining example of the selfless love shown to us by our Heavenly Father.
DJ was preceded in death by her mother, Veronica Ann Smith; her maternal grandparents, Julius Flagg and Luvenia (Currie) Flagg; her paternal grandmother, Betty Gene Mack; her uncle, Rev. Val Powe; and her aunts, Carolyn and Kaye Tolbert.
Left to cherish her loving memory is her beloved daughter, Aaliyah Killion, and an entire host of family, extended family, and friends.
Funeral Services for DaVenia will be held at noon on Aug 22, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug 22, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia.
