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BORN
1952
DIED
2017
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Derrick Roberts Obituary
Derrick E. Roberts was born January 17, 1952; he went home to be with the Lord on December 13, 2017.
Derrick was the oldest of three sons born to Rev. Dr. and Mrs. John E. Roberts. Raised in a Christian home by parents who love the Lord, Derrick accepted Christ at the early age of 7 and became active in the Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of his father. A child prodigy, Derrick taught himself to play the piano long before his formal lessons began at age 10. He was a graduate of DeVilbiss High School and continued to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio where he received a Bachelor of Music Education. He continued his educational aspirations by pursuing a Master's Degree in Education Administration Supervision from the University of Toledo.
Derrick married his childhood love, Deborah (McDaniels), on August 11, 1979 and together they raised two children Jeremy and Jelise. They are gifts from God, their children, a beautiful and talented daughter Jelise, a successful musician and artist and their son Jeremy, who was a professional football player in the NFL for 10 years. They have one granddaughter, Joelle.
The dawning of an educator at heart began as Derrick started his career teaching music in the Toledo Public School System at Keyser Elementary and assumed the position of Intern Teaching Consultant. In later years, he became the Assistant Principal at Pickett Elementary School serving under the leadership and gaining a mentor in Mrs. Edna Robertson, Principal. These life lessons in education enabled him to fulfill and continue to the next assignment as Principal at Elmhurst Elementary School. Principal Roberts left an impression with the children of Elmhurst who said, "He is the coolest, best dressed Principal in the world". The students of Elmhurst loved Principal Roberts so much and upon being challenged to run in a race with them, they expressed about him, "Mr. Roberts can really run fast for an old man." Derrick later moved to serve as Principal at the Lincoln Academy for Boys. He was nominated as one of the "The Outstanding Young Men of America" and in 1999, he was named Principal of the Year by the Ohio Parent Teacher Association. Derrick retired after thirty-one (31) years of service to the Toledo Public School System.
Continuing his quest in excellence and serving a perfect God, Derrick was the Director and a founding member of the Toledo Mass Choir/Interfaith. He held the position of Convention Planner for the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses from 1999-2010. In April 2010 in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, he was installed as the Chairman of the Board for the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses by the late Bishop Kenneth H. Moales, Sr., President. In 2011, Minister Roberts received an Honorary Doctorate from the Eastern Theological Seminary of the Common Wealth of Virginia.
He leaves to cherish wonderful memories his wife, Deborah; father and mother, Pastor Dr. John E. Roberts and Mother Bernice Roberts; daughter, Jelise; son, Jeremy (Maria Cristina) Lincoln; adopted son, Darius Coleman; granddaughter, Joelle Lincoln; brothers, Rev. Jeffrey Roberts and Tracy Roberts; Godchildren, Patrice Jones, Arielle Johnson, Leigh Ashley Utley and other Godchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues; his Toledo Interfaith Mass choir; his NCGCC, Inc. family; his Family Baptist family and his Indiana Ave. MBC family. Special thanks to Crystal Kizer, Subrina Bennett-Long, Dr. Kasunic, Dr. Salem, the ICU and the ICCU staffs at Flower Hospital. Very special thanks to Dr. William James and the St. James "The Armory" Church for hosting the musical celebration.
Services: Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Visitation 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Musical Service 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at St. James "The Armory" Church, 3310 Nebraska Avenue, Toledo, OH 43607 (419.537.9736), Dr. William James, Pastor.
Thursday, December 21, 2017, Visitation 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Family Hour 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service - 7:00 p.m. at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 640 Indiana Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604 (419.241.3850), Rev. Dr. John E. Roberts, Pastor.
Friday, December 22, 2017, Committal Service 11:00 a.m. at Ottawa Hills Cemetery, 4120 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43606.
Arrangements by Dale-Riggs Funeral Home.
www.dalefh.com
View the online memorial for Rev. Dr. Derrick E. Roberts
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Memories and Condolences
for Derrick Roberts
Patti Jimison
January 25, 2019
I just now, January 2019 found out that my friend, Derrick has left the physical earth. I have so many fun, fond memories of Derrick and our time together at Keyser Elementary. MY condolences to Debra and the rest of his family and friends. God Bless!
Scott Ferguson
December 25, 2018
My condolences as I have just read this about the greatest principal I ever could have had and someone who went above and beyond...I was an elementary school student at Elmhurst elementary until my 6th grade year which would have been 1997 and he personally helped me.become the person I am.today....as a young kid i was lippy and a little out of line but he was never mean he was always caring and always went out of his way to make sure i as well other students were taken care of and steered in the right direction. He once even let me and another student ride in his new jaguar to a field trip and as a kid I mean that was awesome....he helped get a slush machine at school always told lunchtime knock knock jokes....more importantly anytime i got sent to the principals off he never yelled never screamed but was understanding and always said the motto I can do it you can do it we can do it and pushed the fact then if you do right good things will come if you treat people right you will be treated right and so forth....after I moved away to the big town of genoa in even forgot him and everything he did to better the students as well as I myself and how he always helped...I know it may be a bit late and past due but I am sorry for the loss though I know he is resting easy and as a student and person I wanted all his family and friends to know they are not the only ones who will miss someone as special as he was.You will be missed Mr. Robert's-
Jacqueline Collins
December 27, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Derrick E. Roberts.
Tamara Dunston
December 23, 2017
Rest in Power and God Bless your family. I never knew you but I remember seeing you often in many church services.Rest easy sir❤
Sandra Jacobs-Brackett
December 22, 2017
I was a member of the choir at Indiana Baptist and took piano lessons with Derrick for several years. May God's peace be with you
December 22, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
ONE WAY COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor: Richard Wilson 1st Lady: Aleema Wilson
December 21, 2017
To the family of Rev. Derrick Roberts;.....Only God knows the extent of the pain & sorrow your hearts must feel. We ask that God continues to comfort you in a way that only He can. We love you & will keep praying for you.
Jonette Moss
December 21, 2017
Prayers going up for your family.My deepest sympathy.Jonette Moss
Pam Downour
December 21, 2017
M'y sincere condolences to Deborah, Jeremy and the entire family. I was privileged to know Derrick as a fellow student at BGSU and then as a colleague in the music department at TPS. I shall always remember his smile, energy and effervesent personality! He indeed gave his best to God all the time. And now God has received the best for eternity. Prayers for all in the coming weeks and months.
Jenai Hicklin
December 21, 2017
My prayers and love go out to my family (The Roberts Family). The long standing friendship of the Hicklins and the Roberts will continue to grow. You are in our prayers always and we will truly miss our brother Derrick. With love from Elders Jenai and John Hicklin
December 21, 2017
To the Roberts Family,
My condolences go out to you, Derrick will be missed but now he is resting in the arms of Jesus. God is the God of all comfort he will comfort like no other. Remember earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I will miss the nuggets of wisdom that he imparted in my life and will forever remember those that he did.
Sherryl Johnson-Winston
Columbus,Ohio
Lois McDougel
December 21, 2017
May God give you peace and comfort during your time of loss. I have had the pleasure of being a past member of Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir. Derrick will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the Roberts family and the Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir.
Dorothy Brown
December 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Roberts family. We all know that God has you all in his hands. Derrick was a good servant of God during his earthly stay. He is now resting in peace.
Rosalind Gaston
December 20, 2017
Praying for Peace and Comfort to the Family. God Bless you all
Loudine Cooper
December 20, 2017
My prayers and condolences goes out to the Robert's family. I had the pleasure of singing under his direction many years ago. He was an awesome director. I loved watching him direct. Reverend John E. Roberts and Mother Bernice Roberts my heart truly goes out to you two. It's hard losing a child. However, God will keep you during this time of sorrow. Love you all.
December 20, 2017
My condolences go out to the family, I know he is now conducting the heavenly choir, God is well pleased. May God see you through to endure.
Sis Diane Graham
Brooke Oatneal
December 20, 2017
Mr. Roberts was my music teacher at Keyser Elementary School. Thank you for helping me discover my voice and most importantly helping me enjoy music.
James LaMont Turner
December 20, 2017
Met him personally at a friends home. Funny warm never foregot me would always speak knew exactly wear we had met. All around great guy he will be missed.R.I.P.
Ron Hayes
December 20, 2017
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in the memories,
Sherry Powers-Cornelious
December 19, 2017
To the family of Derrick Roberts - may God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your loss.
P. E. Rev. O'Neil & Rev. Andrea Wiley
December 19, 2017
Many memories of Dr. Roberts. May the God of all comfort shower his entire family during this most difficult time. The Lord bless you and keep you.
John Wills
December 19, 2017
Was a student of his at Keyser and went to school with Tracy at Rogers. Outstanding family. May God bless you and your family. John Wills and Family
Cheryll Lawrence
December 19, 2017
Derrick is happily remembered from our years in the DeVilbiss choir and chorale and taught with my stepmother at Keyser. He was kind, gracious, and a consummate gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
Barbara D. Griswold-Blalock
December 19, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 19, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Deborah Cotton
December 19, 2017
Still trying to wrap my head around this loss...you made me laugh, you sang your heart out for the Lord, and you left a footprint that no one can fill....rest easy my friend, you will be missed from this place.
Bruce Jacobson
December 19, 2017
Thank you for your wonderful music teaching at TPS. You were an inspiration.
Evelyn Smith
December 18, 2017
Rest in peace. You were a good soldier for the Lord and an accomplished individual. We will miss you.
Katherine Stokes
December 18, 2017
It was a great experience for me to have been a member of The Toledo Interfaith Mass CHOIR and had the chance to meet and be under the direction of this awesome man of God condolences goes out to his family Sincerely Katherine Stokes
Margo Zak
December 18, 2017
You were a wonderful man, heart and soul.You influenced so many children to be all that they could be. If we could have cloned you, there would be peace on earth. Thank you for letting us know you Mr.Roberts. with heartfelt condolences,Mrs. Zak, Amanda Zak, and all of your Elmhurst children throughout the years .Be at peace our friend,Amen.
Loretha Hutchen
December 18, 2017
To Rev Dr & Sis. Roberts & Family's ,"GOD" Called A Awesome Soul !!!! Rev Derrick Roberts Will Be Truly Missed,Not Gone In Our Hearts. We Will See Rev Dr Derrick E Roberts On That Great Day !!!!! AMEN TO FAMILY'S
Robin Crowder
December 18, 2017
My condolence to Indiana Baptist Church family Baptist Church he was a great person a great musician always had me jumping on my seat at Family Baptist always had a smile on his face and making people smile at church I love you rest in heaven my son from mother Robin Crowder
Connie Mathews
December 18, 2017
My condolences go out to the family. Rev. Dr. Roberts was and will continue to be a blessing to the members of the NCGCC, Inc. May God's love, strength, comfort and peace fill your homes during this time. God Bless
Loretta McGlaun
December 18, 2017
Rev Derrick Roberts was an amazing man with a big heart that loved everyone. As an NCGCC member we all consider him our family. He will forever be missed and in our hearts. My Condolences and Love,Greater Cleveland Choral Chapter.
Cheryl Epstein-Ziegler
December 18, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Derrick was a fellow classmate of mine at Devilbiss high school. Always had a kind word for everyone. Prayers to all of his friends and family.
December 18, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to your family. We will always remember you as a wonderful friend. May you rest in peace
Pegg and Russ Doerr
Lisa and Ron Copeland
December 18, 2017
My son had the pleasure of having Mr. Roberts as his principal at Elmhurst. The kids adored him, as well as the parents and staff. I always said he was the best principal ever.' My son is now a man and over the years has run into Mr. Roberts. He never forgot his students. Always so kind. My deepest condolences to all who loved him. His memory will live on forever. He has definitely left his impression on so many lives in this community. Peace be with you❤
Lessie Cochran
December 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Family and friends of brother Derrick Roberts.
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