Darius Jerrell Tarver, affectionately called "DJ", was born September 13, 1996, to Kevin Tarver Sr. and Froncella Reece, formerly Tarver in Dallas, TX.

Darius matriculated through the McKinney Independent School District where he excelled in academics.   He participated in Kingdom Building Basketball under Angela Weathers and Allen Polk and Raider football under Ian Wyatt.  Darius graduated from McKinney High School on June 6, 2015.  DJ was unsure if he wanted to go to college or work and received his Police Emergency Dispatch Certification during his senior year in high school.  After high school, he attended Tyler Junior College, where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies in 2017.  He then went on to pursue his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of North Texas.   DJ worked two jobs while pursuing his degree and maintained a 3.0 GPA that earned him a place on the Dean's List.  He will be awarded his Degree posthumously on May 9, 2020.  DJ became active in campus life while attending UNT and was a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE). NOBLE will be dedicating a scholarship in the name o He was an avid ping pong player, an "off key" singing and rap "artist" and enjoyed playing board games. DJ was extremely social and humble, and he never met a stranger.

Darius attended Greater Hope Holiness Church as a child.  He gave his life to Christ on January 19, 2020, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plano, Texas after a life changing experience.   He will always be remembered for his respectful, loving, and caring spirit; along with his million-dollar smile that could go on for miles and miles.  On Tuesday, January 21. 2020 DJ had an address change.  He moved to Paradise Lane.

Darius is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Lillie Mae Tarver; aunt, Sharon Yarborough; and uncle, Wilford Tarver.

He is survived by his father, Kevin Tarver, Sr. (Yolanda) and mother, Froncella Reece; siblings Tashioan Tarver, Brittney Fields (Devonte), Kevin Tarver, Jr., and Devonchae Tarver; step-siblings Ebony White, Anneisha White, Erica Robinson, Ariel Robinson, and Xavier Robinson. grandparents, Coy C. Tarver (Dorthyrene), William Mays (Patricia), and Etta Harrison (LaDon).  He is also survived by (1) niece, (4) nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.