Derrick LeWayne Pearson

Derrick LeWayne Pearson was born April 11, 1968 to Al Pearson, Sr. and Judy Johnson in Chicago, IL. As a child, Derrick began to develop his character as a fun-loving, people-person. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1978. He attended Ulysses S. Grant Elementary from 1974 – 1977 and Parkside Community Academy from 1977 - 1982 for his initial schooling and graduated from King High School in 1986. Derrick went on to study Creative Writing at Northern Illinois University and TV, Radio, and New Media Broadcasting at Columbia College, Chicago. During his time at college, Derrick received his greatest blessings – his son DeMario Pearson and his daughter Britney Pearson. He also became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated in 1988 through the Iota Alpha Chapter at Columbia College. Following his Mother’s lead, Derrick moved to Atlanta, GA in 2003. During his time in Georgia, Derrick established his business, Pearson Enterprises, LLC – a mobile shoe-shine and shoe repair business that catered to sales men and women at car dealerships. It was just like Derrick to find a need and use his creativity and “hustle” to turn it into a money maker. In 2005, Derrick met Vicki Anderson at an Atlanta 70s club called “Bellbottoms” and on August 30, 2007 they were married. He also continued his support of Phi Beta Sigma by joining the Nu Psi Sigma Graduate Chapter of North Fulton County. Derrick loved House Music and channeled his energy into playing it as a DJ and dancing to it. You could find him on many a weekend entertaining friends with his charismatic personality and his energetic dancing. After an 11-year battle with kidney disease, Derrick transitioned from his earthly body to his heavenly reward. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Frances Pearson, grandfather Artis Pearson, Sr. and uncle Artis Pearson, Jr. Derrick leaves behind to carry on his legacy: his wife, Vicki Pearson; father, Al Pearson, Sr. (Darlene); mother, Judy Wyndham; children, DeMario Pearson and Britney Pearson; granddaughter Ki’Arri Shappelle Pearson; grandmother, Evelena Clark; sister, Chaundra Gore (Kenneth); brothers, Al Pearson, Jr., Damian Pearson, Michael Pearson (Jamica), Damian O’Neal, and Cornell Lewis; uncles, Vic Pearson, David Pearson, Owen Pearson, Terris Clark, Mark Clark, and Ramon Lewis; aunts, Patricia Clark and Carmen Lowe; cousins he grew up with, Juleria Smith, Raundena (Roshawn) Johnson, Pashaun (Anthony) Williams, and Anthony Goodloe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.