Derrick Kirk Thompson's Obituary
On Saturday December 28th at approximately 3:45 in the afternoon Derrick went to the Gates of Heaven. Those Gates opened and many family members and friends who passed away before him stood and applauded as Jesus said "Well done good and faithful servant"!
Derrick K. Thompson was born in Jackson, Mississippi on August 8, 1957 to Timothy Thompson and Lenell McGee.
Derrick lived most of his young life in Lawton, Oklahoma before joining the United States Marines in 1975 serving proudly until 1979.
Derrick worked many jobs during his lifetime including working as a welder, janitor, also working as an EMS worker and hazmat cleanup specialist for the Seattle Veteran’s she Hospital
On July 3, 1999 Derrick married Johanna Jones in Tacoma, Washington.
Derrick accepted the Lord as his Savior at a very young age.
In 2007 He proudly became a member of Tacoma Christian Center where he served for a time as an usher.
Derrick loved watching sports and crime solving shows including old reruns of Perry Mason and Law and Order.
Derrick was preceded in death by his parents Timothy and Lenell, his nephews Preston and Richard, his brother Dwayne and his sister Margarite as well as his brother in law Reginald Craig.
In addition to those family members greeting Derrick at the gates of Heaven his special friends James Tucker and Bernard Smith undoubtedly smiled and celebrated his arrival.
Derrick is survived by his children Derrick Thompson, Darchell Thompson, Herman Harp and Darice (Thompson) Browning
His son in law Lane Browning and Lane’s family.
His grandchildren: Damian C. Thompson, Makayla F. Thompson, Tokyo Elaine Renee Browning and Octavia Dalaney Jean Browning, His brother Charles, His sister Jacqueline. He is also survived by his loving sister in law Angie as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Also mourning his passing are longtime friends Marvin and Beckie Boyd as well as their whole family who spent time praying for the family when the grandchildren were born and when Derrick was ill.
He is also survived by his best friend of 55 years James Tomel Mayberry whom he considers to be his brother from another.
Derrick spent most of his last 10 years traveling with his wife, enjoying road trips and cruises. They made many friends while traveling and the memories will live on in the heart of his wife for many more years to come.
Derrick was not one to show his emotions freely, so if you knew him and loved him and wondered why he was silent when others said “I love you” or if you ever wondered why you may not have ever seen him hug someone. I (his wife) want you to remember that
“Still waters run deep” and in actuality he loved deeply.
Derrick could not always find the words or the proper actions to let those around him know that he loved them. But rest assured if you spent time in his life, if you were related and especially one of his children he was proud of you and he did deeply love you.
Four years ago he learned what “love” truly is when his granddaughter Tokyo was born.
Then one year later when his granddaughter Octavia was born with special needs he formed a bond with her that was the most special bond ever formed.
Tokyo and Octavia taught him how to love and how to show that love.
His wife Johanna would like to thank the many doctors, staff and volunteers at the Seattle VA hospital for the love and care that they provided for both of them during Derrick’s lengthy stay there. They made the transitioning process less painful and showed much love and compassion.
A show of gratitude and thanks also needs to be extended to the Lakewood Towne Center Davita Dialysis Center including Christina, Mark and Dr. Aman Gill.
They stood by his wife Johanna with love and compassion during this difficult time.
What’s your fondest memory of Derrick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Derrick?
Share a story where Derrick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Derrick you’ll never forget.
How did Derrick make you smile?