Derrick De'Vonne Dews

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on July 23, 2021, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the Reid Temple AME Church; 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd. Glenn Dale, Maryland, 20769.

Please adhere to the COVID – 19 Safety Guidelines to the bottom of the page.

Derrick's parent the late Wilburn Dews and his mother Margot Dews who currently resides in Washington DC. Derrick was raised in District of Columbia and as Derrick grew older, he realized the importance of being treated fairly, and was still a work in progress in treating others the same in return but he treated everyone around him according to how he felt.

Derrick is survived by his wife Jennifer Dews, Step-Son John Voltaire, Mother Margot Dews, his brothers Darrell Dews, Michael McCoy Maynard McCoy, Sisters LaShawn Dews, Dedra Baxter and Michelle Monroe, nieces, nephews and cousins. Derrick had many acquaintances and childhood friends and he touched many people he came across.

Derrick was raised with six siblings Darrell Dews, LaShawn Dews, Dedra Baxter, Michael McCoy, Maynard McCoy and Michelle Monroe. Derrick and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they shared many life experiences.

Derrick was an analytical and an independent thinker, qualities that allowed him to develop and implement effective strategies and techniques to meet his good work ethics. He also pursued his passion of cooking earning his Certificate in Cooking at Theodore Roosevelt High.

On August 16, 2014, Derrick exchanged wedding vows with Jennifer Beckles at the At the Park in Arlington, Virginia. The marriage became a source of strength for Derrick. He definitely brought a lot of fresh energy and clarity to the relationship with Jennifer.

In his work life, Derrick was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. He excelled at dealing with those pesky details that can derail some people, and once he understood exactly why he was working on a project, he could plow full steam ahead. For Derrick, being able to grasp the logical components of any task was significant to him in appreciating its importance. Derrick worked at the World Bank as a Chef, he also worked at Giant Food Store as a clerk and his last job as a Janitor for a private company in Washington, DC. Even if he worked alone on an assignment, Derrick was able to incorporate and welcome new insights from leadership, and he would readily use them if they improved the process. His primary occupation was Janitor. Derrick always made the effort to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Derrick was blessed with one Step-Son John Voltaire and on occasion they had their own unique way of communicating. He would often share life lessons with him trying to encourage him of the pitfalls he should avoid.

Religion and faith were important to Derrick. He held dear the faith and values he derived from his beliefs. He was a member Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, NW DC, where Reverend Terry D. Streeter whom he respected and help him in his Spiritual walk. Derrick accepted Jesus the Christ as Lord of his life while he was a member at Mt. Pleasant in 2012. He left in 2014 to join his wife and step-son at Clifton Park Baptist Church in Silver Spring, under the leadership of Reverend Essentino Lewis, where Derrick and his wife renewed their vows after attending marriage retreat in 2015. For the past 7 years Derrick and his family have been members of Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, Glen Dale Maryland. During his time at Reid Temple AME Church, Derrick participated in the men's choir, and kitchen ministry and served breakfast on occasions. He developed relationships and one in particular that he cherished was Mrs. Rita who is the Kitchen supervisor. Derrick also attended Bible Classes, various ministry workshops, participated in Leadership training with his wife and other marriage classes and couples’ activities. He had a great respect for Reverend Mark W. Whitlock, Sr. Pastor, Reverend Joseph Deck, and Brother Meyers and others whom he saw as Spiritual leaders. After Derrick rededicated his life to Christ in Late March, 2021 he stressed to his wife how important it is for him to seek her forgiveness and reconcile because he wanted to honor God and his wife. He then began having daily bible study and pray with his wife up until his death seeking to rebuild his relationship with his wife and step-son whom he had assured that he would not miss his 18th Birthday and planned to spend time celebrating.

Derrick strongly believed that talk is cheap. He was the type of person who would show others his feelings through his actions. He was practical but was able to be flexible when he chose to do so when a situation arose. Derrick had a curiosity about the things around him and tried to experience life directly rather than sit back and talk about it. The experiences he treasured most were those he shared with his loved ones. Derrick De'Vonne Dews will be greatly missed by his wife, step-son, family, friends and everyone whose life he impacted.

COVID – 19 Safety Guidelines

• To keep your family and attendees safe, Reid Temple AME Church continues to follow COVID – 19

Safety Guidelines regardless of your vaccination status. (Bro. Derrick De’Vonne Dews) on July 23,

2021.

• Sign-in is required and can be completed electronically prior to your arrival or onsite upon your

arrival either electronically or by physically signing in. Sign - in link

https://reidtemplefunerals.eventbrite.com

• Arrive up to 30 minutes prior to complete pre-entry screening for COVID – 19 Symptoms at the front

entrance. The pre-entry screening will include temperature checks, sanitization of hands and sign-in

if you haven’t completed it electronically.

• Enter and exit through the front lobby entrance only.

• Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth while in the building.

• Sit socially distant in every other pew with the exception of the area designated for the family.

• Use sanctuary and designated bathrooms only.

• Extend grace and cooperation to Reid Temple AME Church Staff and volunteers on duty if/when

reminded of protocol and guidelines.

Donations can be sent to the https://gofund.me/3ed965e1

If you wish to donate flowers please have them sent to the Reid Temple Church 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769 Attention Rev. Hunt.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Dews family.