The family of Brother Derrick Vernard Smith , in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Smith family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.
Brother Derrick Vernard Smith was 56, and departed this life Thursday March 19, 2020 in Marion County. He was the husband of LaSharon Smith. You may visit the family at 2664 Penderboro Rd. Marion.
Public viewing will be Friday March 27, 2020 at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel, 2:00 pm -8:00 pm but due to the precaution of the COVID-19 there will not be no more than 10 people at a time for the viewing.
Private family funeral services of 50 or less people are scheduled to be held at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Mullins on Saturday March 28, 2020 at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Marion.
~ The Obituary ~
Be on your guard: stand firm in the faith: be courageous; be strong. I Corinthians 16:13
Derrick Vernard Smith, son of Ms. Lee-Esther Smith, was born on September 16, 1963 in Marion South Carolina. The lord called him to eternal rest on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Derrick was married to LaSharon Patrice Smith. The two shared fond and precious memories during their entire time together. Derrick love his wife dearly. With the grace of God, he, along with LaSharon, Ja’Vontaye, and Ja’Quan embarked on a beautiful journey full of love, laughter and bliss.
In his youth years, Derrick accepted Christ in his life and joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Marion, South Carolina where he sang on the youth choir and participated on the Usher Ministry.
In 1983 he graduated from Terrell’s Bay High School in Centenary, South Carolina.
Derrick found solace and interests in creating his “Custom Culinary Masterpieces” and sports; being a prominent fan the Dallas Cowboys and the Clemson Tigers while being a member of the Marion T Sluggers Baseball team from 1995-2002, he helped lead the team to win championships and was recognized as a very dedicated player.
Derrick had a positive outlook on life. He was very well known in the community as a humorous, hard-working, and friendly family man. Known to many as “Beaver” he always acknowledged people with a smile that captured the hearts of many.
Prior to departing this life, Derrick has held numerous occupations but expressed benevolence working for Time Warner Cable and Baker Transportation Incorporated.
He leaves to cherish irreplaceable memories, his wife, LaSharon Smith of the home, one daughter, Kendra Greer of Virginia, three sons; Reverend Justin Gamble of Georgetown South Carolina, Ja’Vontaye Gagum, a student at N.C. Central University in Durham, North Carolina and Ja’Quan Richardson of the home, two grandchildren; Taylor Gamble and Amani Brooks, his mother, Lee-Esther Smith, his aunts; Lenora Williamson, Doris Williamson, Betty Jean Williamson, Elsie Williamson and Susie Williamson all of Marion, South Carolina, his mother and father-in-law; Mattie Diane & Malachi Richardson both of Gresham, South Carolina, two brothers-in-law; Latron Richardson and Reginald Graves of Gresham, South Carolina, four sisters-in-law; Rachel (Jarvis) Graves, Sandra (Derrick) Beasley, Linda Woodberry and Latoya Richardson, five special friends; Kelvin Gerald, Zerum Hopper, James Reed, Kendall Williamson and Deborah Williamson; along with a community of close relatives, friends and acquaintances.
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