Darrell W. Mason

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me. And heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

Early Saturday morning at 7:36 a.m., Mr. Darrell W. Mason's Lord and Savior Jesus Christ heard his cry and whispered sweetly in his ear, "Come my child, you have suffered long enough, let peace be thine."

Darrell Wayne "Big D" was the first son born to the late Sidney Mason Jr. and Rosemary Mason in 1965 on September 12th in Petersburg, Va. His childhood was full of memories of visiting his paternal grandmother, the late Mary Mason in Petersburg, Va. and his maternal grandparents, the late Bessie and Andrew Pearson in Freeman, Va.

He attended elementary and high school in Petersburg, Va. After graduating from high school in 1983, he found that a high school diploma was not enough for him and he decided to become a member of the school on the "yard", Virginia State University. He enjoyed being a Trojan, but work had to become part of his life. In 1991, he became the manager of Radio Shack in Hopewell, Va. Before being stricken with an illness that would not allow him to work again, he was the manager of Video World in Richmond, Va.

As a child, he felt the need for Christ. Although he lived in Petersburg, he gave the late Rev. E.J. Vaughan, the pastor of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Freeman, Va., his hand and God his heart. He did not attend as often as he would have liked, he never forgot his roots. It was God's word that helped him to endure his long sickness.

He was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins, as well as an avid reader. He enjoyed listening to music. He was always involved in the latest technology. He never met a stranger; he always found something they could talk about.

Darrell Wayne was promised a crown of righteousness on the Day of Judgment. Not only was this promise made to him, but to his daddy, Sidney, his grandmas, his granddaddies, his aunts, uncles, cousins, and his many friends who were privileged to outrun him.

Darrell leaves his legacy of love and compassion to his mother, Rosemary; his devoted brother, Derek Christopher Sr. (LaTarnya); foster brother, Darryle Mason; great-aunts, Queen Robinson, Mamie Coleman, Truly Myrick and Annie B. Mason; aunts, Vivian Edmonds, Evelyn Parham, Ella Goode (Carl), Almeda Fletcher (Alvin), Ruth Gibbs (Louis), Earlene Hope (Theron) and Martha Pearson; uncles, Harvey Pearson, Roy Mason (Arzie) and Arthur Pearson; niece, Amaya Leigh; nephew, Derek Christopher Jr.; foster nieces, Dataejsa and DeQuaysha; foster nephew, Darryle Jr.; godmother, Junella Burke and Gregory Hope; devoted family friends, Patricia Miller and Casserine King; many devoted cousins to include, Michael Goode, Tyrone Mason, Morris Pearson and Gregory Hope, in addition to his many relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Freeman, Va. The Rev. Dr. Herbert Anderson, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, officiating. Interment to follow at Little Mount Baptist Church Cemetery, Disputanta.

Honorary and active pallbearers are asked to assemble 10:30 a.m. at the church.

The family will assemble 9 a.m. at 1495 Busby St., Petersburg, the day of the services and may be contacted by calling (804) 733-0464. Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Mason online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.