Derrick Deion Saunders, Jr.

Derrick Deion Saunders, Jr., 13, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born August 29, 2011 along with his twin sister De’Erica Renee Saunders came into this world as twins, born premature at 34 weeks. Derrick was soon diagnosed with a rare blood condition called G6PD that had him fighting for his life as a newborn. He needed multiple blood transfusions/exchanges and the risk for complications were extremely high. I prayed over my son as my heart broke for him, asking God to extend his little life and give me more time with him as my only son and I had been praying for him. I visited him daily as his long multiple surgeries extended his stay into the NICU for two months. He was a fighter and got better and came home to me and his family soon enough. Growing up Derrick was happy and strong. He attended Shacklette Elementary School, and graduated from Conway middle School, and was excited to attend PRP High School in the fall of 2025. Derrick was a happy teenager and loved life, especially spending time at home with his family and attending school with his friends. He loved joking and making everybody laugh, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He was an Angelic spirit, as his mom I’ve never seen him angry and only received love and affection from him to everyone he meet. As my only son he was the apple of my eye, bringing so much joy to our family, watching him grow into a teenager, get tall and grow smart made me so proud. As the family continues to come to terms with this loss, we thank everyone for your support and prayers. Please continue to support through thoughts and prayers. Thank you and God bless you.

He was born on August 29, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky to Derrick Saunders, Sr. and Lakesha Saunders. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Wanda Saunders; grandmother, Vickie Johnson; grandfather, Samuel Johnson; aunt, Ivory Johnson; and uncle, Jesse Saunders.

Derrick is survived by his loving family, mother, Lakesha (Syverek Johnson) Saunders; father, derrick Saunders, Sr.; siblings, Makhyia White, Lazhon Denton, Derrionna Saunders, Deonna Saunders; twin sister, De'Erica Saunders; brother, Jeremiah Whitten; niece, A'Marionna White; special cousin, Dontez Edwards; best friend, Aaden Hazelwood; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends to cherish his loving memory forever.

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel, 10304 Dixie Highway. A celebration of his life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, Southwest Louisville Chapel.

The family requests that contributions in Derrick’s memory be made to the Lesley & Rhyan Foundation in memory of Derrick Deion Saunders, Jr. at the link below.

https://lrpfd.networkforgood.com/projects/254486-support-the-family-of-derrick-saunders-jr

To share a memory of Derrick or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guest book below.