Submitted by: Dan Rich

Dionne JeNae Dent

Dec. 22, 1987 -- Aug. 15, 2005

South Bend Tribune 8/18/2004

The wonderful and precious life of Dionne JeNae Dent, 16, came to an earthly end on Sunday, Aug. 15. Dionne (affectionately nicknamed "Baby Girl", "NaeNae," and "D" and "The Girl") was born to the union of Dorian Noel and Marva Jean Leonard-Dent on Dec. 22, 1987, at 9:33 p.m. Dionne was an honor roll student at Wilson Elementary, Navarre Middle and Washington High School, and was in the South Bend Community School Corporation and University of Notre Dame Link-up and Minority Health Professions Program. Dionne was a member of Ball State University's Summer Scholar's Program, Washington's Multicultural Society and Advisory Board Member for 2006 Class Officers. She was inducted into Achiever's All and receive the President's Education Awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement. While at Navarre Middle School, Dionne played basketball and was on the volleyball team.

Dionne is survived by her loving parents, Dorian N. and Marva J. Leonard-Dent; her brother, whom she cherished, Dorian D. "Poogie" Dent of South Bend, Ind.; her maternal grandmother, Verneal Leonard of South Bend; several aunts and uncles, Diane (Gloston) Jackson, Rita Harris, and Leanette (Willis) McCaster of South Bend and Cheryl Leonard of Seattle, Wash., Craig Leonard of Michigan City, Ind., Leonard Parks and Gary Dent of Washington, D.C.; her godmother, Karen L. White of South Bend, and godfather, Ralph Lucas of Washington, D.C.; and a host of special cousins. Dionne was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Barbara Ann Dent, and maternal grandfather, Henry Leonard Jr.

We all miss you Dionne! In 16 precious years you brought so much to our lives. You made us smile when we wanted to cry, and comforted our souls when we felt lost. You never complained, not once. You showed us that it doesn't take a lifetime to have and give immeasurable love, wit and strength. We'll never forget you! Tell Big Momma, Daddy and Granny Ann we said "Hi!"

Friends may call today, Aug. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Alford's Mortuary, and the funeral services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19, at noon in the Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God In Christ, 1025 W. Western Ave. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery.