Dejuan Shammane McClain, affectionately known as "Turtle", was born August 20, 1977, to the late Bobby Earl Rookard and the late Elizabeth Brannon in Spartanburg, SC. He was reared in the home of his grandmother, Virginia McClain, who was an excellent provider and caregiver to him for 46 years. He received education from the Charles Lee Center.

Dejuan hada smile that was effervescent and would light up a room. He was very loving and caring. His favorite color was orange, and he was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by stepfather, Timothy Briggs and grandfather, Frankie Lee McClain.

Left to cherish his memory is grandmother, Virginia McClain of the home; sister, Ashely Briggs of Spartanburg, SC; cousins, Ruby (Elevelt) Kerns, Gladys (Vernon) Beaty, Kimberly Hardy, and Candace Kerns; caregivers, Nurse Ken and Celeste Scott; and host of other relatives.

On the morning of Monday, February 26, 2024, Dejuan transitioned peacefully at the Spartanburg Medical Center. He will be missed by his family and peers.