Obituary of Derrell E Hammond

Derrell E. Hammond “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 On Friday, October 10th, 1961 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania GOD blessed Leon and Delores Hammond with a son. As the second child of four, Derrell had a strong upbringing. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, an uncle, a neighbor; a friend, an Eagles fan, a mechanic, a father, and a grandfather. As a child of hardworking decent people, Derrell’s childhood was shaped by the virtues of hard work, quiet faith, and devotion to family. Most of Derrell’s formative years were spent in South Philadelphia with lots of close friends and family. Like many in South Philly, his early life was shaped by loving parents who were always striving to provide a better life for their children. In striving, many find aspiration. Moving toward that hope for a better life, at age ten his parents moved their family to Lawnside, New Jersey where he attended the Lawnside Public School System. Later he attended Camden County Vocational & Technical Schools where he learned to be a skilled mechanic. Derrell had a great love for fixing his and anyone else’s car who needed service. As an adult, Derrell spent time learning other trades as well. These trades included: welding, automobile detailing, and masonry. As the breadwinner of the family, his father proudly provided for and protected his family, however, his premature passing was a major loss for the family and void in Derrell’s life. His mother worked very hard to hold her family together as she continued raising her children alone. Derrell was eternally devoted to his mother. The rough circumstances for young Black men in his community lead to tough choices and troubled early life. While his early experiences within different and difficult environments were challenging, these experiences helped Derrell to become adaptable to many situations, develop skills and traits that would serve him well later in life. This modest foundation propelled Derrell to be the best he could be in any situation that might have otherwise crushed a lesser soul. He survived and eventually succeeded in life and love. Although many knew Derrell as a serious, no-nonsense man, Derrell had a soft side. He was a strong man and a gentle soul. If he let you see it, you would know that Derrell was known for (& took pride in) looking out for the underdog. While it cannot be denied that he made some hard choices in his life, right or wrong, he was his own man. In his later years, like many good brothers, he became a better person – he became a better man. The story of his life was a true story of “Redemption”. He became a better son, brother, uncle, and nephew. He became a loving husband and a devoted father where he proudly spent countless hours with his children. All who knew him knew that he was a loyal family man who loved Marcia and all six of his children. He spent time playing with his children; he spent time listening to them, he spent time doing homework with them; he spent time disciplining them and he spent time filling them with confidence and hope in what they could be… No different than his parents, Derrell also wanted the best for his children. He did everything in his power to make sure his children’s life was better. A short time ago he proudly shared that his children made the Honor Roll. It was his constant presence in their life that helped them excel and will inspire them to fulfill their grandparents’ dreams. Let it be clear, he had found love, joy, and purpose in his family. After a short and courageous struggle with an illness, suddenly on Thursday, October 28th, 2021 our Lord and Savior called Derrell to his heavenly home and rest. He is predeceased by his parents Leon and Delores Hammond. He leaves a legacy and cherished precious memories to his devoted family and friends. Left to mourn him is his loving wife Marcia, his children: Sania, Siattai and Derrell Hammond Jr., Sumayah, Leroy and Kenny; his grandchildren; his siblings: Leon D. Hammond, Trina Hammond, and Danielle Ray; his aunt Anita Wood, and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many, many other loving relatives and friends.