Obituaries » Damien Michael Collett

Damien Michael Collett

April 16, 2007 - August 5, 2022

Damien Michael Collett, 15, of Moneta, went to be with the lord on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 16, 2007. He was preceded in death by his pawpaw, David Wright, and Granny Beckner.

Damien was a goofy “class clown,” with a big heart and a great sense of humor. He loved food and cooking. Some of his favorite hobbies were gaming, playing soccer and hanging with his friends. Damien was enthusiastic and fearless in everything he did, but most importantly he was a caring, compassionate soul who loved his mama.

He is survived by his mom and dad, Deja and Antonio Napper; father, Michael Collett; sister and best friend, Emma Collett; stepbrothers, Antonio, Jr. and Adin; stepsister, Tyleah Napper; paternal grandparents, Linda (Oma) and Randy Grimes, paternal pop pop, George Collett, paternal great-grandparents, Carmen and Robert DiDonato; special papaw, Michael Corliss; maternal Nana and PawPaw, Alan and Missy Clifton; MawMaw Gail; granddad, Daniel Napper, Aunt Anna, Aunt Angie, Uncle Tony, numerous aunts, uncles, friends and special cousins, Blayke, Dyllon and Alayna.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Suicide Prevention or any non-profit or charity of your choice.

A celebration of Damien’s life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.  The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service starting at 12:00.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.

Celebration of Life: Wednesday, August 10, 2022; 2:00 pm; Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford Visitation: Wednesday, August 10, 2022; 12:oo noon until 2:00 pm; Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Damien 's life with a short message, photo or video!

dang brother it hearts so much knowing that u are gone i never got the chance to tell u that I love u before u left I miss u big bro Forever LlD

Posted by jordan on January 16, 2023

This truly breaks my heart. What a wonderful soul. My heart and prayers go out to all of his friends and family. He left this world way too soon. I will be donating to the suicide prevention foundation. I pray that everyone gets through this and it never happens to anyone else again. 🙏 ❤

Posted by Anonymous on August 19, 2022

Damien, we had a lot of really good times when we were younger and I wish we would’ve had more time. I love you and it’s hard to hear that you’re gone at such a young age. I love you and your family all very much. See you in another lifetime D. -nevaeh

Posted by Nevaeh N. Shorter on August 10, 2022

Deja, so very sorry to learn of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May God keep His loving arms around you and your family. Peggy Davies

Posted by Peggy Davies on August 9, 2022

Deja, Missy and Allen, I haven't seen y'all in years but I have good memories. You, Deja as Lindsey sweet friend and Missy and Allen from worshipping together at church. I don't know your son but my heart aches for you and your family. I pray for Jesus to wrap His loving arms around y'all and that y'all embrace Him for peace and healing. Love ya

Posted by Becky Palmer on August 9, 2022

I cannot believe that u are no longer here. I’ll always miss hearing u laugh at our jokes together and seeing ur beautiful smile u were a very bright soul that gave me light when I was in the dark..🙁 I’ll never forget the day i met u in alternative school u stuck out from the others u became the only person I talked to there I wish we stayed in contact after that but I will forever miss you and the moments we shared rest easy goof ball sorry I can’t make it to the service But u will always be in my heart love u bud 🕊🖤

Posted by Makenzie Kelley on August 8, 2022

still can’t believe your gone rest easy man:(

Posted by Anonymous on August 8, 2022

My message to bubba, I remember when we used to sit outside and run around the yard waiting for the ice cream truck to come I remember the days where you used to knock on the door and give my stepmom flowers! I remember when we would always hang out with you and Emma like days I also remember when y’all had baby kittens! And Emma and Deja would always say put the kittens down Damien! Damien stop messing with the kittens! There have been many ice cream truck trips considering that’s where it all started! And then we had the times when you be walking in the hallway laughing or doing something and I’d laugh at you because it was so random! I remember seeing you in the hallway walk in and always at the football games! I remember the one football game where it was a Hawaiian theme and you had one of those little necklace things and I kept asking people where did you get them and nobody had anymore and you had a lot around your neck and you were all sweaty and you still gave me one! I think you also gave me a hug but I can’t quite remember! Or the day that me you and the family all went and watched fireworks right there at the D-Day memorial! In like one minute we’d see you the next minute we lost you it was just a great time! Then the car ride back you were singing to the music and plucking Deasia‘s nerves! Oh the memories that we have and that’s just the small ones and I wish that I could find photos of us but right now I can’t! But you were definitely my little brother and who would’ve thought that day at the ice cream truck would have brought us all to being so close meet you Emma and Deja! I would do anything to bring you back so that nobody would have to feel this hurt! But I’m definitely gonna miss seeing you around school and a whole bunch of other places including the football games! Especially you and the cowbells etc.! But just know I’m going to hold your name I will protect your name and I will continue to stay within touch of the family! We love you Damien! And I know your sister and everyone else will miss you down here, and we love you so so much Damien until next time just keep watching over us and guiding us! Thank you for all the special memories and it’s forever long live Damien! Until my eyes close

Posted by Kaniyah on August 7, 2022

Bright twinkling eyes and a silly smile with bouncy curly hair, I won’t think of Damien without this image bounding into the classroom. Damien was a leader, a warrior for those he loved and knew. He was hilarious but very serious too. Whether in the classroom or goofing off around school, his radiance introduced someone special was in our presence. His Staunton River classmates will miss his energy and so will the staff. Damien left too soon. My prayers are for his dear family and friends. We will remember the Damien, the one full of love and laughter. Damien gave freely and my hope is that we multiply this kind of love and joy to those left behind. May his short life give hope and purpose to many.

Posted by Ms. Quartrone on August 7, 2022

LLD💗forever ur world ~yassy. I remember I spent everyday after school with you and Emma I definitely have sum great memories w youu .

Posted by Anonymous on August 7, 2022

I’m glad I got to know you when we were kids I wish we could’ve stayed in touch with each other growing up.

Posted by Quamir Ballard on August 7, 2022

“Don’t be afraid to shine. The world needs your light.” – Timi Nadela I know you will continue to be a bright light protecting and shining down on us from above. Thank you for always keeping it interesting, making me laugh and loving my son like a brother. You will be missed more than you will ever know.... Keep shining bright baby boy ♥️

Posted by Kristina Hudson on August 7, 2022

So sorry for your loss, I went to school with David and Nancy Wright. Spent a lot of time at Mrs Beckners house growing up. Prayers sent.

Posted by Marion on August 7, 2022

I’ve known Damian since 5th grade , we weren’t that close but he was such a good person with a good personality and prayers for his family . I can’t believe he is gone. LLD🕊

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a handsome young man, loved by many.

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

I remember you always made me laugh when we rode the bus and although that was a while ago I know your spirit will live on just the same

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

I am saddened and shocked to read this! What a loss of personality and intelligence! Prayers for the whole family.

Posted by Kristina Childress on August 6, 2022

Always brought the most energy and happiness anywhere he was. Gonna miss you and your corny jokes, Love you forever man. C you later D.

Posted by Kemper Simmons on August 6, 2022

I remember when we would stay after school for the football games almost every time they had one and goof around at the store and get the worker mad where we almost got kicked out and would be messing around and walking everywhere waiting for it to start then would go to the game and be even more crazy he was always real to everyone he associated with. LLD❤️🤞🏽

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

I may have only met Damien one time and this was at Cop camp.a few years ago and man he was so fun to be around that may have been the only time I’ve ever seen him but he was one awesome kid to be around

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

Thank you for everything brother❤️

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

Damien was the type of friend who would always be there for you. He would never let anything happen to me and he would make sure to try his hardest that no one ever did anything to me. I remember one time in elemenatary school when we got the football taken away at recess. Damien decided that he was going to start a protest and march around the playground with a bucket hat on. 😂 I met damien in 3rd grade and ever since then we have been bestfriends ever since. He was truly like a brother to me and I could never ask for a better friend. ❤️

Posted by Zack Conner on August 6, 2022

I remember everyday in school Damien would come up to me and sit beside me in the classes we had together . 99% of the time I was always upset but he would always try his hardest to make me feel better. he’d dance around and just be the goofy Damien he was. This is honestly the saddest thing ever and it breaks my heart to see his family and closest friends hurt. He’ll always hold a special place in everyone’s heart including myself. I hope he’s now at peace.

Posted by Anonymous on August 6, 2022

At first I didn’t want to believe he’s gone but when I found out I tried my best to not cry but Damien was a funny person always great to be around him there was never a bad moment when being around him

Posted by Chase on August 6, 2022

We love your sweet smile wild child and how bright your light shined you will be forever missed ❤️

Posted by Brooke aka Ashley Crowder on August 6, 2022

Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Posted by Vicky and Jordan Bowyer on August 6, 2022

Damien, may you find peace and comfort resting in the arms of our Lord.

Posted by Joyce Moran on August 6, 2022

Remember being in class with Damien and me and him always joking around In class. He was so funny And always made his friends laugh. Rest In Peace Damien🕊

Posted by Jonah Overstreet on August 6, 2022

In this video I was upset before I took it buh he made me laugh n smile again he told me to not cry and don’t worry about nothing he was very funny an had an amazing humor mane like he was a great person somebody I could make memories with and care about I kept telling him to stay outta trouble and be great and don’t worry abt what other ppl think he would used to dap me up in the hallway or even hug but I don’t what I will do without him just know you will never be forgotten n will always be in mi heart no matter what I love you so much rest easy handsome 🥺

Posted by Kalah on August 6, 2022

I had to beg for this handsome young man to take this picture. I never saw him as a young man, but a baby that I never stopped calling Bubby. I will always remember the excitement in his voice yelling “Hi Aunt Whitney” when me and his mama were in a serious conversation trying to hide from our kids for a little alone time. They would always find us…especially Bubby because he loved his mama so much and followed her everywhere. We will always love you Bub.

Posted by Aunt Whitney on August 6, 2022

Nana loved dates at the pizza shop with you. I loved your spontaneous pop I s to give flowers or to say I love you.

Posted by Nana on August 6, 2022

How to Write a Sympathy Message



Register now for the live seminar





Click here to access Obituary Archives from 2014 and earlier.