Derrick Dever

Derrick attended school in the Connally, Clear Creek, and Waco Independent School District. He graduated from Jefferson Moore High School in May 1983.

He enjoyed all sports, playing Little League baseball in elementary school; participating in football during junior high and high school earning all-district honors as a defensive lineman; and horseback riding as a teenager and adult.

Derrick professed his love for Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized May 25, 1976 at St. Paul AME Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. James R. Anderson. There he served as a youth usher.

Known all his life for his “gift of gab,” at age 14 he convinced the manager of the Red Lobster restaurant in Nassau Bay, Texas to hire them as busboys, which began his interest in foodservice. Upon the family’s return to Waco, Derrick was able to transfer to the local Red Lobster and worked there as a busboy until he enlisted in the military. He continued his interest in cooking, honing his skills by helping his “Big Mama”, uncles, and mother with her part-time catering business.

On February 14, 1984, he enlisted in the United States Army with Infantry training at Ft. Benning, GA. While on leave awaiting deployment overseas, he suffered two broken legs as the result of a freak auto/pedestrian accident in Cameron Park and received a medical discharge.

Derrick was known for his outgoing personality and never met a stranger. He would often go to several local nursing homes to visit the elderly relatives of some of his friends and take them little treats. He also liked staying busy and enjoyed doing yard work for himself and others. The highlight of his day was taking candy or doughnuts to his two little princesses, Journee and Jasmyne.

He entered into eternal rest on March 31, 2021, following a very brief illness. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Eric Dever; grandparents, Elzie and Vera Ward; Jimmie Freeman; and uncle, Nathaniel Ward.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his children, Terricka Sharae McDade and Darius Jamal Dever; grandchildren, Braylon Smith, Jasmyne Sharae Kemp, and Journee Tanae Kemp; parents, Barbara Henson (Kenneth); Rev. Wayman T. Dever, Jr.; Billy Malone; three brothers, Brian (Carolyn), Kenan (Stephanie) and Dwayne; special friend, Deloris Whitney; six nephews, two nieces, five great-nephews, four great-nieces, five uncles, ten aunts, one great aunt, and a host of cousins, classmates, and friends.

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