Derrick Zephron McElroy

As the first child of the late Sterling McElroy and Linda McElroy, Derrick Zephron McElroy entered this world on October 1, 1974, in Tulare, California. The early stages of his education were developed in the public schools of Las Vegas, Nevada where he formed a strong family bond with his grandmother and extended family. The family moved to Tulare, California where he had lots of fond memories during his early life and attended Brooks Chapel AME church with his grandmother Hazel McKenzie, and his mother and father where he found his first love of Jesus Christ. This would become the foundation for his future and to be shared with family and friends over many years. Derrick touched so many people that came across his pathway with his humble and loving spirit. The word tells us in Deuteronomy 10:18 He helps orphans and widows, and he loves foreigners and gives them food and clothes. Derrick was no stranger to helping the homeless by providing cooked meals and water, as the word says in Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Derrick received his education through Fresno and Selma Unified School District. He completed his formal secondary education at Selma High School in Selma, California where he enjoyed creating music and art. His Love of music continued as he relocated to Oakland, CA and joined the underground hip hop group the Living Legends. This passion for music lead him around the world to Asia, Europe and throughout the U. S. His career endeavors also included working for the first hip hop radio station in Fresno, CA Rewind 105.5 as a radio personality, and frequently appeared on KESEE 24 news station for Aesop's Art Hop Spotlight, and at the Juvenile Detention Center as he shared his love for music production with incarcerated students. He later explored his love for food, art, and culture as he hosted Aesop' Tables while supporting the art scene at Art Hop in the historical Fresno Tower District, and collaborated with the Tiago-Sequoia Brewing Company.
Derrick cherished the relationship and reciprocation of love of his family, and friends. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Derrick Zephron McElroy joined the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Warren McElroy and grandmother Lela Powell, grandfather Mitchell McKenzie, and grandmother Hazel Lee McKenzie.
Derrick loved all his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his loving memory of his mother Linda McElroy of Selma, CA; his siblings Selitha Walker, Las Vegas, Nv; Shamya LaKisha Tuggle (Edward), Fresno, CA; and Shannon Lenette Miles (David), Fresno, CA; his nephews and nieces LaBrea Walker, Dale Walker, Las Vegas, NV; Sariah and Saniyah Tuggle, Fresno, CA; Darius, Daniel and, Demetrius Miles, Fresno, CA great niece Nala Carter, his God parents Frank and Earleen Green, and extended circle of family and friends.
To those of you who I left, please do not cry for me. God was good to me. "I thank Jesus Christ our Lord who enabled me to live a long and faithful life. God's angels will watch over you until we meet again.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; who shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life, whom shall I be afraid? To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Derrick, please visit our floral store.