Derrick Bryheem Smith

Life story

A TIME TO BE BORN

Derrick B. Gilbert Smith was born January 16, 1990  In Philadelphia PA, To Shiela Smith. Derrick grew In the Heart of the late Barbara A. Gilbert and  was raised by her. Derrick was christened as an infant by his mother the late  Barbara A Gilbert and his Godparents Sharon and Thomas Jones at Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Derrick worshiped as a child at Chosen Assembly Church of God and Christ followed by returning to Zion in his teens. His current place of worship we are not sure but we all know he continued to worship, live, serve and walk by and with faith.

A TIME TO BUILD

Derrick was educated in the Philadelphia school district attending Robert Fulton Elementary and Grover Cleveland Elementary for primary, Gillespie middle school, Cross Roads, Simon Gratz, Graduating from Glen Mills.  After graduating in 2008, Derrick attended Community College of Philadelphia studying ophthalmic technology earning a certificate as an Ophthalmic Lab Technician.  In 2011 Derrick attended Job Corps where he trained in the field of Hospitality. And explored some carpentry.  Derrick was a Self Employed DJ  as well as an employee of  Ridge Capital at his untimely passing. Over the years Derrick has been employed in many fields: Book store clerk for Black And Noble and Barnes Noble, Tatoo artist (self-employment),  Customer service representative ( Metro PCS), Retail sales (Sneakavilla) and self-employment,  Security Guard various companies. 

A TIME TO LOVE

Derrick was a kind soul never hesitating to extend friendship or help to others. Derrick was a character who loved family and friends. Very generous with his time and friendship, you never left his presence without smiling or laughing. His loving and caring personality was real from a child to current we could count on a warm greeting, him sitting on our lap, a too-tight hug, or giving big Kisses. Never leaving your presence or ending a call, without an I love you! Derrick enjoyed the beach from childhood, the family vacations in Florida annually and frequenting wildwood a couple of times a year.  As an adult, He went to Atlantic City several times a month to take in the water view and people watch. He also enjoyed basketball and the pool. Loved to clown because he could not dance.  Derrick was a good Son, Brother, Uncle, Father, Friend, Neighbor Co-Worker, and Employee. Derrick wasn’t a stranger to anyone. He had personal relationships with everyone. Flexibility to coed switch allowing true friendship and a personal relationship with people individually. “If you know! you know !!” On February 28, 2014 Derrick was working as a DJ at a party and met Jamie McCorey his “Road dog” a cool friend. This friendship brought Derrick the joy of his life, his daughter Aleyah on Jan. 23, 2016. Derrick became a proud father and very active “da da” from day one daddy & daughter have been inseparable.  A two-piece combo!  Working as a Dj in Tavern 222 on South street in October of  2019 dressed as the Joker, Chantel Glenn approached Derrick and told him “I can be your Harley Quinn”.  A special connection was made and Derrick found his life partner. On September 12, 2021, Derrick popped the big question asking Chantel to marry him among friends and family. She accepted the quote they shared “ TO INFINITY AND BEYOND”.

Their love and our love is to infinity and now beyond. He will be missed but never forgotten.

A TIME TO DIE

Derrick B Gilbert Smith departed unexpectedly on Friday, February 18, 2022, from pneumonia. He was preceded in death by Mother Barbara A Gilbert, Grandmother Everlena Smith, Brother Timothy Gilbert, sister Karen Graham, Uncles Mark and Wilbert Smith, Aunts Jean, Wanda and Regina Smith, Nephew Xavier Gilbert and niece Asiyah Smith, Soul Brother Anthony Johnson(DJ Young Scrap).

A TIME TO MOURN

 Derrick(DJ Spits) will continue to be loved and cherished by his mother Sheila Smith, Daughter Aleyah McCorey (Jamie), Godparents Sharon and Thomas Jones, Bro-Dad Charles Gilbert Sr., Fiance Chantel Glenn, Brothers Charles jr., Thomas and Timothy Jones, Johnny Ray, Reggie, and Anthony Gilbert, Sean, Bryheem and Chris Smith. Sisters Sharon Jones (Thomas), Crystal Jean(Samuel), Wanda, Cynthia, and Brittany Smith.Sis/nieces Tanya Perry ( Micheal) Barbara Sullivan(Eric), Michelle Faison (Joe) Uncles Mickey (Sonia), Eric, and Samuel, aunts, Cynthia, Kim, Pam, and Special nephew Nysir Gilbert, and cousin Jessica Gilbert Wheeler. Goddaughter Myla Honorable mention Keith Blacc Munson, Pop Michael Scippio &Mom Karen.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins family, and friends

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