Derek Dean Ward, II

On Wednesday, August 24, 1955, the late Derek Dean Ward, Sr. and Bereatha Ward were blessed with the third of four children, Derek Dean Ward, II.

Derek was preceded in death by both of his parents, both sets of grandparents, his oldest brother, Leslie Dean Ward and his youngest brother, Dana Elliott Ward.

Derek received his education at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School and Holy Family High School. Upon graduation, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corp where he retired with an Honorable discharge and the rank of GYSGT (Gunnery Sergeant) having served over 20 years to his country. He was stationed throughout the United States and abroad. Japan was his most memorable location. Afterwards, he worked part time in Security for UAB Medical West, Regions Bank, and a host of other employment throughout the city.

At an early age, Derek was baptized at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and received the sacraments of the Catholic faith. He was a member of Vir Nobilis, appointed to the Parish Council, served as the church photographer for special events, and was a member of and sometimes Facilitator of the Bible Study Group. He enjoyed and looked forward to the fellowship the church provided after the Mass. Derek maintained his membership there until he was called to be with the Lord.

Derek was into reading and studying the Bible daily and would often access other religious materials to delve into certain books of the Bible in order to get a deeper understanding of the material he was reading. He had a passion for photography, particularly pictures of nature but he was hired to take pictures of graduation ceremonies, birthday parties, and other special occasions held in various locations in the area including the Bessemer Public Library and local parades.

Derek collected an extensive array of books on African American History. He made sure his grandchildren were informed about our history by purchasing books for them and giving them as gifts instead of money, clothing and electronics. He believed that knowledge is power. He often played basketball with his grandsons until he realized it was time to let that go and participate in something less strenuous.

Derek enjoyed being outside, walking, hiking and riding his bike. He enjoyed listening to old school music and jazz greats. He enjoyed visiting the library and became a member the Friends of the Bessemer Public Library where he served as Chaplain.

Derek would also purchase and transport items to collection sites for those affected by natural disasters as a way of looking out for his fellow man. He spoke of Jesus to others as a way of spreading His word but more than not, most people would find excuses to end the conversation. They would sometimes be unresponsive when he talked about the relationship he had with his family which he felt was probably because they did not have the same loving, supportive "no drama" relationship that he had with his family. All to say, he knew the value of his family and never took it for granted.

Derek loved his family and was always present in the moment. He was a loving father yet a strict disciplinarian, a devoted brother, uncle, and grandfather as well as the best brother-inlaw anyone could have. He took opportunities to show his children the blessings of knowing GOD, the value of receiving a proper education, the pride and benefits of a good work ethic, how to be true to oneself in a world of chaos and confusion, how to be people of good character, and how to be open to opportunities presented to them.

Derek was favored and highly blessed by GOD and with the love of his family. He often about the trials, tribulations, and victories of Moses and Job. When asked what his favorite passage from the bible was, Derek would speak of Moses' humility to his faithful strength to lead a nation. Derek would speak of Job being a righteous man that through all the sickness, trials and tribulations he never gave up his faith in GOD.

Derek's humility and faith were the foundations that allowed him to face his life's journey. Derek would tell you that he was not perfect, that he made mistakes in life but he would also tell you that he learned from his mistakes and that he tried to live a righteous life.

His memory will be cherished by his children; daughter, Carla Ward Tate and her husband, special son/son-in-law, Raymael Tate of Woodbridge, VA, daughter, Vickie Guion of Stafford, VA; sons, James Ward of Wake Forest, NC, Raphael (Kathy) Pierce of Newport, NC; grandchildren, Brandon Tate of Woodbridge, VA, Braxton Tate of Virginia Beach, VA, Nyla Ward of Charlotte, NC, Jade Rasberry of Stafford, VA, Tyler Ward of Woodbridge, VA, Shelena Wiley of Morehead, North Carolina and Sawyer Bachtler of Newark, New Jersey; nieces, Janise Powell of Center Point, AL, Tamora Ward of Columbus, OH and Leslie Yvonne Ward of Columbus, OH; sister, Linda (Alvin) Ward Sunday of Bessemer, AL; nephew, Charles Lee of Center Point, AL; great niece, Mykell Smith of Center Point, AL and great nephew, Brian Jackson of Center Point, AL.

Special acknowledgement to his significant other, Theresa Williams of Bessemer, AL who was always by his side; special friends/church members and his brother and sister in arms, Jerome and Shawna Lockhart along with a host of other relatives and friends. His absence from our lives will most assuredly be felt by many but never forgotten by any.