Gone Too Soon: Derek D. Young

After missing a few frantic calls from my girlfriend, Veronica, I called her back Monday morning to hear that Derek Young had passed suddenly on Sunday. Abruptly, I cut my Christmas Military visits short to fly back to Nashville. After speaking briefly to Dee, his sister, I knew I could not stay another day on the road. I needed to see her, right away. I caught the first flight back to Nashville.

Derek D. Young

Derek was not just a dearly loved member of the Nashville Community but he was my maid of honor's only brother and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young who were like surrogate parents to me. Mr. Young walked me down the aisle many moons ago and Mrs. Young encouraged me as a young wife and mom for years until she joined God's roster of Angels in heaven. 

The Youngs in the 80's.

The Youngs have been fixtures in our lives for over 30 years. Deirdre, affectionately known as Dee to me, babysat my crew, and was there for milestones in the lives of my children, the good and the bad. 'Aunt Dee's' brother, Derek, was part of the package of love that came when you are friends with anyone from the Young Clan. You love one, you WILL get to know and love them all! You got two for one and rejoiced that you knew them both. Derek was the life of any one's party and had premium seats at every Holmes' TSU tailgate. He enjoyed my daughter's delicacies and he did not hold back praise for the Bug man's culinary skills. He knew my love of all things Christmas and was not shy of sending me messages saying "do you and do it well." My children often stated, "Mr. Derek was sharp as a tack and cleaner than Clorox."  

Mr. Clean!

Derek and Deidre were the finest examples we could show our kids of how siblings take care of each other and did we drum that point home often. As recently as three weeks ago, we mentioned them as an example of pooling resources to make a dollar triple in value with two of the Holmes. "Work together," I said. "Look at Derek and Deirdre, be like them," with the firmness of mama who was not accepting of anything less.

Deirdre and Derek

As so many of us are trying accept the reality of Derek's untimely death, let us hold deep in our hearts the wonderful memories that many made with him through the years. Derek's love for his family, his adopted families, his church, his community and his fraternity will be with all of us forever. And ever! Like Derek, let us be committed to living life to the fullest and be intentional about helping others because it is not only right and pleasing to God but because it is a blessing to be a blessing to others! Derek believed with all his heart and soul in being a blessing to others. With purple and gold running through his veins and his trademark infectious smile, Derek will be missed. Dearly. 

Derek D. Young's Obituary 

Baby Derek, 1961

Christmas 1963

Derek Dexter Young was born on November 17, 1960 to Robert A. Young and the late Claudine H. Young. He departed this life suddenly on December 4, 2016. 

Derek’s early education began in the Wilson and Rutherford County schools and was completed upon his graduation from Oakland High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Derek began his professional career as a manager for Kroger in 1985.  While at Kroger, he built friendships that lasted his lifetime. Often, Derek spoke of the good times he shared with the “Covington Crew.” In 2001, Derek began working at Suntrust Bank, where he matriculated to the position held at his death, an Officer Bank Support Specialist.

From November 2005-2012, Derek was united in marriage to Granvisse Earl.  

In April 2000, Derek was initiated into the brotherhood of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Being a lifetime member of his beloved fraternity was a major accomplishment to Derek. 

Mr. Young and "the Aunties," Christmas 2015

Derek was known for his love of family! He put great effort into staying connected with his loved ones and never missed family events and special occasions.  Whether it was a gathering with the Young Clan or a party for a member of his second family, The Blacks, everyone depended on Derek to be there. His devotion to his parents was known far and wide. He was big brother extraordinaire to baby sister, Deidre. And he was a beloved nephew to “the Aunties.” He made every effort to attend to their needs (and occasional wants). Every Saturday morning at 9am, Derek would talk to his favorite cousin, Jackie, to catch up on the week’s events.  Derek loved attending the football games of his godson, Tyler Black, and he was overjoyed when he learned that Tyler committed to play football at Tennessee State University! Knowing that Tyler was on the TSU team made his season ticket subscription that much more special.

 

New Year, New Attitude!

In his youth, Derek attended St. John United Methodist Church. He was currently a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Antioch Finance Team for over 13 years. 
 

Nashville's Best Dressed!

Derek had a keen sense of style that he attributed to his Mother and Aunt Annie. He would always say, “My Momma and Aunt Annie always kept me dressed.”  No matter the occasion, you could count on Derek being fashion forward from head to toe.  His great attention to detail and quality was not only apparent in his attire, but also in his home and his vehicles.  He enjoyed nice things and took great care of what he worked so hard to obtain.  

Deirdre and Veronica

Phil 1:3

Derek will be lovingly remembered by his father, Robert A. Young; his sister, Deirdre D. Young; his Aunts, Lillian Harding, Jeanetta I. Young, Helen M. Young, and Ida F. Hicks; his godson, Tyler Black; a host of cousins and friends. 

Family visitation: Friday, December 9th at HELLUM FUNERAL CHAPEL at 611 South Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Homegoing Services: Saturday, December 10th at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Antioch location at 2261 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37217. Family visitation from 10:00 to 10:45 with the Omega Omega Service commencing at 10:45 AM with funeral to follow at 11 AM. Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III eulogist. Interment Mt. Lebanon Memorial Gardens, Lebanon, Tn.

Photo Credits: Keith Layden, Todd Boston, and the Young Family.

Clint Smith, Jr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers  embody, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

On Saturday, March 19, 2016, we will continue our series on organ transplants and donations. This weekend, we will hear a powerful story from Clint Smith, Jr., an Attorney and Activist from New Orleans, Louisiana who was recently featured in the New York Times. 

Clint Smith, at home in New Orleans, had a procedure that altered his immune system to allow his body to accept a kidney from an incompatible donor. It “changed my life,” he said.

Photo Credit: William Widmer for The New York Times

Mr. Smith will share his journey about being a transplant recipient not once but twice. He will discuss how being a transplant recipient was life changing. He uses his story to help promote awareness about the importance of donor registries and addressing the stigma in the communities of color about organ donations.

The Smith Family

In 2012, Mr. Smith received his second transplant from a living donor who was a close friend. Hear the circumstances that led to his friend, Judge David Watkins, giving Mr. Smith a second chance at living life to the fullest. We will also hear about the love and support of his family and their belief that "to whom much is given, much is required." Mr. Smith's story will not only educate listeners but inspire you to become more engaged and aware.

This is one interview you will want to listen to again and again!

  Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In,  military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More about Clint Smith, Jr.
 

Mr. Smith being presented an award by his brother, Chief Master Sergent, Jeffery Smith, USAF for his steadfast support of his 30 plus year military career!

Mr. Smith, a 1982 Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Morehouse, Mr. Smith was the President of Morehouse History Club, a Student Council Representative and a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. 

After graduating from Morehouse, Mr. Smith attended Tulane University School of Law and graduated in May 1987 with a J.D.. At Tulane, Mr. Smith was the 1987 Merit Award Recipient of the Law League of Louisiana Maurice Hirsch Award, an award that represents the most improved student for the three-year law school curriculum. He was also a member of the Black Law Students Association and President of the Public Interest Law Foundation.

Mr. Smith has had a luscious career in law beginning with an honored appointment as the Judicial Law Clerk for the now deceased civil rights pioneer and Chief Judge of the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Revius Ortique, Jr. As a law clerk, Mr. Smith was responsible for researching and preparing recommendations to Judge Ortique on exceptions and contradictory motions set before the court for hearing.
 

After his appointment with Judge Ortique, Jr., Mr. Smith joined the Bryan & Jupiter Law Firm. As an attorney with Bryan & Jupiter, Mr. Smith  practiced litigation in the areas of education/school law, commercial law, worker compensation and tort defense. Mr. Smith achieved partnership while with the firm.
 

After Bryan & Jupiter, Mr. Smith formed the Roby & Smith Law Firm with his Tulane classmate. Roby & Smith enjoyed a successful and full-service legal practice in the areas of litigation and small business practice for three years.

In July 2002, Mr. Smith accepted an opportunity as General Counsel for an emerging publicly traded company. As general counsel, Mr. Smith was responsible for coordinating the legal and human resources needs of the emerging public company. He also assisted in drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, and other legal documents.

Mr. Smith underwent his initial kidney transplant in 2004. His transplant altered and refocused his legal practice in the area of Wills, Successions (Probate) and Estate Planning. After the second transplant in 2012, Mr. Smith has returned to his Estate practice.

Mr. Smith has served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Aviation Board at the New Orleans Airport, Judge Ad Hoc for Juvenile District Court and Judge Pro Tempore for the Orleans Parish Traffic Court.

Mr. Smith is a former Board Member of New Orleans Audubon Commission; New Orleans Soccer Academy (NOSA), Boy Scout of America, Adult Volunteer; Girl Scouts of America, Adult Volunteer and current Board Member of Legacy Foundation (Organ Donor Awareness) and Louisiana Kidney Foundation. Mr. Smith is an active member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Smith is also a mentor and speaker for the Silverback Society of New Orleans.

Mr. Smith is married to Sheryl Sutton Smith, MD, and has three adult children, Clint III, Jesse and Talmon. Mr. Smith and Sheryl live in New Orleans, LA. 

Photo Credits: Mr. Smith (Facebook) and NYTimes