Derek Eugene Bennett Sr.

Derek Eugene Bennett, Sr., affectionately known as "Party Rock," was born on April 27, 1966, to Robert Jennings Bennett and Altamease Townsend Bennett in Fort Pierce, FL, just one day after his mother's birthday. Derek was the younger of two children born to this union.
Derek began his education in preschool at Gertrude Walden Day Care Center in Stuart, FL. He later attended kindergarten at Pee Wee's Kindergarten (Fort Pierce, FL) under the direction of Mrs. Geneva Ghent. It was at Mrs. Ghent's kindergarten where he met many of his current classmates and formed life-long relationships with them even after they all graduated from high school and transitioned into adulthood. After leaving kindergarten, Derek enrolled at White City Elementary School where he became part of a small group of Black students who integrated the student body in the early 1970s. He, his older sister, Yolanda, and their cousin, Lionel Johnson were all integrators of the school and came along with his mother, Altamease, who integrated the teaching staff. During this time in history, White City Elementary was one of the last schools in St. Lucie County to comply with the federal court order to desegregate its school. It was during Derek's elementary school years that he honed his football skills while attending the annual Ken Ellis Football Clinic, led by his father, Coach Robert Bennett, and NFL great Ken Ellis. Derek continued his education during his middle school years at St. Lucie Middle School for grade 6, Dan McCarty Middle School for grade 7, and Lincoln Park Middle School for grade 8.
While growing up in Fort Pierce, Derek was a member of St. Simon's Episcopal Church where he served as an acolyte and experienced the importance of faith, community, and tradition in the Episcopal Church. Most of his time at St. Simon's was spent under the leadership of Father Richard L. Barry who was the priest and also a strong civil rights activist in the Lincoln Park Community. Upon Derek's confirmation, Father Barry became his godfather. Through this experience at St. Simon's, Derek developed a deep sense of responsibility, service to others, and reverence for worship, values that he carried with him throughout his life.
A graduate of Fort Pierce Westwood High School, Class of 1984, Derek was a talented singer and an exceptional athlete. He sang bass in the high school chorus, helping the group earn top rankings in several state competitions. His former choral director, Bill Dake, would receive glowing comments from the judges about that "one bass singer in the back of the group". As a 2nd-generation quarterback, Derek earned a starting spot on the varsity football team as a sophomore. Some of his football fans affectionately called him "Baby Doug Williams" in recognition of his skill and talent on the field. Unfortunately, Derek's promising football career came to an end after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a game against Cardinal Newman. Derek was a two-sport athlete, excelling on the Panthers basketball team, where he earned the nickname "Moses Malone" for his skill on the court. Known for his charisma and humor, Derek was voted "Class Clown" by his senior class and also served on the 1984 homecoming court.
His sister, Yolanda, proudly identified her father, Coach Robert Bennett, Ervin, and Derek as "our version of the Mannings-Archie, Peyton, and Eli." Though the Bennetts didn't advance to the NFL as quarterbacks, they made history as the only Black father/sons quarterback trio in Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.
Upon graduation from high school, Derek joined his brother, Ervin, and sister, Yolanda, and enrolled at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA, where he majored in business management. While at Southern as a 2nd-generation Jaguar, Derek was well-known for his charisma and charm, often walking through "The Triangle," serenading the women in their dorms from below their windows. One of his favorite people on campus was "Mama Jag". He often spoke fondly of the support he always received from her when he was living in Grandison Hall, the football players' dorm.
After leaving Southern, Derek moved to Tampa, FL, and began a career in the healthcare field, working at major hospitals, including St. Joseph's Hospital. During this time, Derek met Pamela Telfair and proudly took on the role of father to her three young children, Morris, Gee, and Bria. Derek was deeply committed to their upbringing and helped guide them through their formative years.
In 1999, after encouragement from his sister and brother-in-law, Derek and his family relocated to Marietta, GA for him to pursue a career in computer technology. In this role, he worked for Magnum Communications, LTD where he was responsible for monitoring the computer networks and overseeing nightly processes that supported the consumer credit industry. Derek spent ten (10) years with Magnum Communications until the business merged with another company. It was during his years at Magnum that he sacrificed much to ensure that Morris, Gee, and Bria continued to be reared in safe communities and remain enrolled in Cobb County School District schools, which are widely known for their academic excellence in the Atlanta suburban area.
After his time in the technology field, Derek decided to follow his true passion for helping others and transitioned into the mental health field. He began his mental health career at Devereux in Kennesaw, GA, where he developed his dedication to assisting those in need. He later joined Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, GA, where he started working as a Mental Health Technician before being promoted to Patient Advocate and later becoming Milieu Manager. Derek's colleagues at Ridgeview fondly recall his ability to handle difficult situations with ease and his dedication to making sure the staff was well-prepared. He not only trained others to be efficient in managing crises but also brightened every workday with his sense of humor and positive energy.
Just recently, Derek was featured in Ridgeview's Employee Spotlight as Milieu Manager, where he shared his thoughts on self-care. Derek explained that he found relaxation through watching TV, listening to music, and immersing himself in football and basketball season. He always ended his day by thanking the Lord for the blessings he had received. His colleagues admired him not only for his dedication to his work but also for his ability to balance the demands of his career with his faith and personal interests. Derek's presence brought warmth and positivity to Ridgeview and made a lasting impact. His co-workers deeply miss his leadership and camaraderie.
Known as "Party Rock," Derek truly brought the party to the party. He never met a stranger, and people were naturally drawn to him. His infectious personality and ability to light up any room made him the life of every gathering. People gravitated to Derek because of his joyful spirit and welcoming nature.
A sports enthusiast, Derek loved cheering for his favorite teams, the LA Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, the Florida Gators, and the Minnesota Vikings. He was a great debater when it came to his favorite teams and wouldn't tolerate any criticism of his favorite professional players. One of his greatest joys was attending his grandson Chase's baseball games and cheering him on from the stands.
Derek was passionate about football beyond his playing days and was a vocal supporter of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, championing their talent and importance in the sport. As a fan and advocate, he took pride in watching their success and the barriers they broke.
He had a deep faith in God and attended Salem Bible Church in Atlanta whenever he could do so.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, Derek peacefully departed this life.
He was predeceased by his sons, Derek Bennett, Jr. and Michael Bennett, his adorable pet dog, Majik, as well as his grandparents, Emma Lundy, Arlee Lanier, Scipio Townsend, and Robert Jennings.
Left to cherish Derek's legacy and memory are his children, Taushonda Phillips, Morris Edwards, Gee Edwards, and Bria Nolton, and his grandson Chase Cropp, all of Atlanta, GA; his parents, Robert Jennings Bennett (Lois) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Altamease Townsend Bennett of Fort Pierce, FL; his brother, Ervin Bennett (Kia) of Riverdale, GA, and his sister Yolanda Bennett Jones (Anthony) of Marietta, GA; his nieces and nephews: Ervin Bennett, Jr., Eboni Washington, Jordan Bennett, Kori Bennett, Ariana Jones, Alexis Jones, and Aniyah Jones; his aunts, Lizenar Beckford (Vincent) of Fort Pierce, Rosalyn Culpepper (Clark) of Denton, TX, Ruth Ann Johnson and Wanda Lundy both of Fort Pierce, and Gwendolyn Ware of Boston, MA; his uncle, Willie Lanier (Connie) of West Melbourne, FL; his great aunt, Lena Purdy of Altadena, CA; his great uncle, Leroy Bennett, Jr. (Mary) of Fort Pierce; a host of cousins; his former partner and special friend of 31 years, Pamela Telfair; his special brothers, Samuel Lewis and Maurice Shazier, a host of Westwood & Southern University classmates, devoted long-time friends and special roommates, Michael Jackson, Sr. and Carnell Plowden.
Derek's legacy of love, compassion, and encouragement will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who knew him.