Darrell Howard DeShields

Darrell accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was baptized at Nazarene Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa on July 7th 1968. Darrell, along with his siblings, was raised on Deacon Street, a small street nestled in a section of Philadelphia known as “The Burg”. Darrell spent most of his childhood days ripping and running through Fernhill Park in Germantown. He was an exceptional athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. 'Duke' or “D” as he was fondly called by family and close friends, was a BIG boy! He left pewee football when he outgrew his uniform, because he continuously exceeded the weight limit. By process of elimination, basketball was Darrell’s game. “D” was competitive; the bigger the opponent, the higher he would raise the level of his game. During the winter, Darrell often trudged through the park and shoveled snow off the court to practice. When he was tired from walking to the court, he built his own in the parking lot adjacent to his uncle's corner store. As in sports, Darrell always used the same resilience to excel in life. Darrell had a very strong work ethic which transcended to his education and career.

Darrell was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. As a young man he attended Fitler Elementary School and Thomas Mifflin School. Darrell graduated from Roxbourgh High School in 1976. “Duke’s” love of basketball lead him to participate in many leagues notably, “All City”, “The Sonny Hill League” and other neighborhood leagues across the city of Philadelphia. Understanding the importance of education, Darrell continued his education attending Mansfield State, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While attending Mansfield State, Darrell continued his enthusiasm with basketball as a starting member of Mansfield State’s varsity basketball team along with other collegiate activities. Darrell’s passion for music, begin in childhood and continued throughout his adulthood. While attending Mansfield State, he hosted a radio program, Darker Regions, which featured all genres: Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop; Darrell played the whole spectrum. When you saw “D” at parties, it wasn't hard to find him singing and dancing in the middle of crowded dance floors! A wall flower he was NOT!

After graduating college, Darrell embarked on a career in Claims and Risk Management and received his A.R.M designation in 1989. Darrell held several management positions within the insurance industry in Pennsylvania and Maryland, expanding over 34 years.

In 1986, Darrell met Tamara (Tammy) Y. Taylor from Easton PA; little did he know; his life would change forever. After a four year courtship, Tamara and Darrell were married on October 13, 1990. After spending seven years as husband and wife, their family expanded, and just shy of a month of turning 40 years old, Darrell became a first-time father on February 5, 1997 when they welcomed son Tynan.

Tynan was the joy of Darrell’s life. He was not only Darrell’s son, but his best friend. As Tynan grew, the DeShields household would become a haven for Tynan’s friends, as Darrell consistently was a role model for Tynan and his peers, always advising, motivating and teaching to ensure Tynan and his friends would stay on the right path as young men.

Darrell was a family man. He made his house a home for his wife and son and extended his love and generosity to his family and friends hosting many holiday dinners and social gatherings. Darrell and Tamara loved a ‘good party’ and ‘good food’ and “D” loved cooking for his family and friends and established the title as “Rib King” for his famous BBQ ribs. Darrell and Tamara shared a love of the beach and traveled to the Caribbean and other beach destinations, specifically their annual vacation to Ocean City, Maryland. Although Darrell and Tamara were opposites, Darrell LOVED Tamara, her smile, her personality and even her loud and hyper presence. They also loved their quiet time and many nights Darrell would share Bible scriptures with Tamara. They were always together enjoying each other’s company and sharing their common interests of music and home renovation. Tamara, as Darrell called her, never Tammy, was the love of Darrell’s life. When Darrell proposed to Tamara, he asked her which would she prefer a big engagement ring or a house. Of course, Tamara said a big ring, so Darrell bought the house. That was Darrell and Tamara.

Darrell attended and became a member of St James Chapel COGIC where he participated in the Health Ministry, ministering and speaking to men on various health issues, specifically prostate cancer, which Darrell battled with great courage. Darrell’s individual health challenges inspired him to spread the word of the importance of health education, pre-screening and regular visits to healthcare providers. Darrell not only ‘talked the talk’, but ‘walked the walk’. Darrell’s dedication also extended to the youth, where he participated in the “YES” mentoring Program, guiding, counseling at-risks male youths in the Reading, Pa area. Darrell also extended his volunteerism with the Grace Hope Mission Food Bank where he, along with his wife and son, volunteered feeding the hungry in Berks County.

Darrell transitioned on the morning of Thursday, April 27th, and was ushered into the presence of the Lord after battling cancer. Darrell was extremely strong and fought courageously until the very end. He leaves an imprint on the hearts of many, never to be erased and his memory, never forgotten.

Darrell’s memory is affectionately cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Tamara; His son “Buddy” and best friend, Tynan; one sister, Debbie DeShields; four brothers, Steve(Dawn), Kevin(Robin), Terrence(Wanda) and Glenn(Milagros); one step-daughter, Bernadette; mother-in-law, Margaret E. Taylor; father-in-law, Carl L. Taylor and a grand host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, extended family and close friends.