DeRoy was born on August 30, 1937 in Washington, North Carolina. He was the fifth of 11 children born to Johnie Sam Gorham and Lillie Jane (Jones) Gorham. At an early age De Roy confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was a devout Christian.
He was educated in Greenville, North Carolina. He attended A&T College in Greensboro, North Carolina, graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology.
DeRoy received his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. He was an educator for 35 years in the Lorain City School System in Lorain, Ohio. For many years he was an active member of many Masonic orders. He was a 33 ̊Mason
In 1956 DeRoy met the love of his life Joan Holloway. They were married in 1960 and from this union they were blessed with two daughters and one son. Denise, DeRoy Jr, and Dionne. The family moved from North Carolina to Lorain, Ohio, and lived there for 43 years until moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2005.
DeRoy was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Elyria, Ohio for 43 years. He was Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, for 10 years. After moving to Mesa, Arizona he was an active member of CMBC The Word Church. He served as an Usher and was a member of the Men’s Chorus.
DeRoy’s home going was on Saturday October 3rd, 2015 at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his brothers Victor Gorham, Arlester Gorham, his father Johnie Sam Gorham, and his mother Lillie Jane Gorham. He is survived by his loving wife Joan of 55 years, two daughters Denise Brown (Ron), Dionne Gorham, and one son DeRoy Gorham Jr. DeRoy is survived by four brother’s Johnie (Bernice), Arnold (Erma), Robert (Yvonne) and Willie Edward Junior, also six sisters Lottie Romain, Lillie Gorham, Zelma Gorham, Bernice Gorham, Robena Gorham and Vernell Junior. Also surviving are six grandchildren, twelve great-grands, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of extended families and friends.
DeRoy will be lovingly missed by all whose lives he touched and loved him.
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