Malachi K. Dezale

Malachi K. Dezale, 18, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating. Out of respect for the family and guests in attendance, masks and proper social distancing will be required. Burial will be held at Saint Simeon Catholic Cemetery, Aurora, CO. Memorial contributions may be made to Benton Harbor High School Athletics Programs, 870 Colfax Ave., Benton Harbor or The Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, https://www.bgcbh.org/donate-now. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Malachi was born on July 22, 2002, in Denver, CO., to Koko Dezale & Catherine Jusu. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School this past year. While in high school, Malachi played football for the Benton Harbor Tigers and basketball for Country Side Academy. He was also very involved with The Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor. Malachi was a graduate of the Club's Passport to Manhood program as well as the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy presented by the Michigan State Police. He also enjoyed shopping and playing video games. Malachi is survived by his mother Catherine (Ira) Jusu Burton of Benton Harbor; father, Koko (Flora) Dezale of Canada; grandfather, Bernard Jusu; grandmother, Georgette Dezale; brother, Shaquille Jusu; aunts, Irene Koko Stacious Jusu Smith, Sando Jusu and Kumba Jusu; cousins, Maude Smith, Jimmy Tengbeh, Aaliya Smith, Jasmine Tengbeh, Alexis Smith, Martha Jusu, Patience Jusu, Rose Gooding, Petrina Jusu, and Johnathan Tengbeh; and many other aunts, uncles and cousins in Europe, Africa and America. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Martha Jusu & Linda Jusu Shells.