Derrick A Williams, Sr

Elder Derrick Arnes Williams, Sr., age 50, transitioned on to glory on Friday, May 22, 2020 at North Kansas City Hospital, in North Kansas City, MO. Derrick was born June 13, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York to the union of Freddie Lee and Linda J. Williams. He lived in Grandview, MO many years and was a product of the Hickman Mills School District, where he graduated from Ruskin High School. Derrick completed Associates level studies through the Metropolitan Community College system, and worked in human services more than 25 years, including the Marillac Center, Two Rivers Hospital and most recently as an Employee of Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Derrick accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, at the Pentecostal House of Prayer for All People in Brooklyn, New York. He was a was a long-time member of Trinity Temple C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of the Late Founder, Bishop W. B. Henderson. He served as a member of Choir #1 and playedthe drums under Bishop Henderson’s tutelage. He also played drums and sang with the Voices of Revelation community choir. Perhaps the greatest blessing derived from his years at Trinity, was meeting his sweetheart and wife of twenty-seven years, Angela (Marshall) Williams. The couple married at Trinity in 1991, and the Lord added to their union, three cherished and beloved children. Derrick and Angela lived together as husband and wife through 2018.

Derrick and his family joined Beth-Judah Ministries C.O.G.I.C. in 2005. He was a faithful member under the leadership of Bishop Frank Henry Douglas, Jr. through his passing. He served Bishop Douglas as an Adjutant was later ordained an Elder and served as Youth Director and choir member. Theirs was a friendship of forty-plus years. Derrick was the eldest son and second child of his parents’ four children, a gifted writer, dedicated, steadfast and reliable son and brother.

Derrick was a loving, devoted, affectionate, tender and caring father. He was extremely proud of his children and would often brag about all of them to anyone who would listen, his wallet handy and photos at the ready. He was elated when his first child and only son, Derrick, Jr. was born. They were inseparable, oh but when his girls arrived that was it! Bria and his baby girl could do nothing wrong in his eyes. He loved all his children, but the love a father has for his daughters is different and it showed. Especially when it came to his baby girl, Alia.

Derrick was loved by many. He was the comic of his family; he always made a joke, could find humor in anything and was quite the comedian and impersonator, ready to ‘shout’ at a moment’s notice. As his health declined, Derrick was unable to attend church, but he often connected through Facebook streaming. He so longed to attend services and to physically be among the people of God, in the House of the Lord.

Before his sunset, Derrick’s children were able to join with him. Aware of their physical presence, and connected to them spiritually and emotionally, he transitioned, peacefully from mortal man to life everlasting.

Derrick was preceded in death by his grandparents, his paternal uncle, and his loving mother, Linda J.Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory: three beautiful children: Derrick A. Williams, Jr., Bria Marie Williams and A’Lia Janae Williams; all of Kansas City, MO; his father, Freddie Lee Williams, Grandview, MO; two sisters, Charlotte Williams-Rice (Glenn), Grandview, MO; Tisa Jones (James), Suwanee, GA; one brother, Johnathan Williams, Raytown, MO and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We will cherish your memories forever in our hearts and minds. Until we meet again… A private, family commemoration will be held Saturday May 30, 2020. Virtual public balloon release celebrations will occur on the same date between 1 and 2PM: #CelebratingDerrickAWilliamsSr