Mr. Devonta Derell Lee

Devonta Derrell Lee, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Nig,” was born on December 28, 1999, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana, to Lacresia Lee and Daniel “Bradley” Robertson. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Devonta peacefully transitioned from this life. Though his time here was brief, the love, laughter, and inspiration he shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Devonta was raised in Fluker, Louisiana, a close-knit community he was deeply proud to call home. From a young age, he was known as a respectful and spirited kid. Like many youngsters, he had a phase where a few colorful words slipped into his vocabulary—something his family laughs about today—but as he grew older, so did his maturity and character. He was baptized at Fluker AME Church at an early age and developed a genuine love for church and faith that would later become a powerful anchor in his life. Those who knew Devonta knew he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. His favorite meal was cabbage and cornbread, and if sausage was involved, he was even happier—any kind would do. And when it came to dessert, he had standards: homemade fudge brownies, chewy—not dry. That was the only way they counted. As a child, Devonta loved running around barefoot, and he carried that carefree spirit well into his teenage years. Yet despite his barefoot adventures, he was always known for being exceptionally clean. In fact, his family often joked that a hot water heater never stood a chance against the number of baths and showers he would take in a day. Devonta also had a love for fitness and style. Whether he was in the gym working out or preparing for an event, he believed in showing up his best. He loved dressing sharp and looking fly. If he couldn’t be one of the best dressed in the room, he might just reconsider going at all—something his family remembers with plenty of laughter. His love for family and the Fluker community was unwavering. Devonta carried big dreams in his heart—dreams of making it to the professional level in sports and using that success to help uplift his family and community. Even when life presented its toughest challenges, his concern for others always came before his own. Devonta was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System and proudly graduated from Amite High School in 2019. Growing up in the Lee family, loving sports almost seemed like a birthright—but Devonta took it to another level. He was the true definition of an athlete. While he enjoyed multiple sports, his passion for football quickly rose above the rest. His talent, strength, and dedication on the field earned him the nickname “Megatron.” His relentless drive and hard work led to him being recruited by Coach Ed Orgeron and Coach Mickey Joseph in 2019, giving him the opportunity to attend Louisiana State University (LSU). While there, he initially pursued a major in Kinesiology, later transitioning to Interdisciplinary Studies, all while continuing his journey as a wide receiver on the football field. In 2022, Devonta transferred to Louisiana Tech University, proudly becoming a Louisiana Tech Bulldog, where he continued playing wide receiver and pursuing his education. He was on track to complete his degree in 2024, when an unexpected challenge appeared. While playing at Louisiana Tech, Devonta was experiencing unusual pain that followed him from LSU. Thanks to the attentiveness and care of the coaching and medical staff, further examination was conducted, eventually leading to the diagnosis of Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. What followed was a long and difficult battle—but Devonta approached it the same way he approached football: with strength, determination, and faith. He fought hard. He beat cancer once, and when it returned, he fought even harder the second time. Throughout it all, his faith in God never wavered. Even from his hospital bed, Devonta’s greatest concern was never himself—it was always others. Each morning he shared devotions with his brother, Dawaun, continuing until his body simply could no longer allow it. His words often reflected the strength of his faith: “God got me.” “God’s plan.” And when asked how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same: “I’m OK.” Through his courage and unwavering spirit, Devonta taught lessons about faith, strength, humility, and love—lessons that many people spend a lifetime trying to learn. Even in his toughest moments, he inspired everyone around him. Though he is no longer physically with us, Devonta remains a champion—on the field, off the field, and forever in our hearts. Devonta leaves to cherish his loving memory: His mother and bonus father, Lacresia Lee Brown and Michael Brown, who stepped into the role of fatherhood and loved Nig as his own until his passing; his father, Daniel “Bradley” Robertson (Chanda Robertson); his brothers, Dawaun Lee, Damon Lee, Sr., Leroy Bonds, and Javari Nichols; his stepbrothers, JaMichael Brown and La’Mikal Brown; and his sisters, Mickalla Brown, Akela Burton, and De’Kevia Nichols. He is also lovingly remembered by his maternal grandparents, David and Stephanie Lee; his maternal aunt: Latasha Lee, whom he had a special love for. Paternal grandparents Thomas “Jr. Feet” and Inez Robertson; his maternal great-grandmother, Edna Mae Lee; and his maternal great-grandfather, Percy Boykins (Ethel Bell), along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, teammates, and dear friends who loved him deeply. Devonta was preceded in death by his maternal great-great-grandparents, Myrtis Lee and Willie Lee, Sr., and his paternal great-grandparents, Emma Lee and Thomas Robertson, Sr., along with other beloved members of the Lee and Robertson families. Though his earthly journey has ended, Devonta’s story continues to live on through the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the faith he never let go of. His legacy reminds us all to hold on to our faith, love our family deeply, and face every challenge with courage. Megatron may have left the field, but the victory he left behind will last forever.

Mr. Devonta Derell Lee

December 28, 1999 - February 26, 2026