Obituary of Mildred E Derricks

Mildred Elaine Derricks was born Saturday, October 3, 1959 in Dallas, Texas. She was raised by her devoted mother, Lessie Beatrice. Mildred grew up in a loving and religious home with her siblings: Clyde, Willie, Thomas (Baby), Arthur (Ray), Amos (Mae) and Sarah. She was the baby of seven! Her brothers and sisters protected her and spoiled her. They did everything for her that she didn’t want to do for herself, including completing homework and doing her household chores. Growing up Mildred enjoyed attending church, playing with her dolls and neighborhood friends. Mildred received her formal education in the Dallas Independent School District attending Albert Sidney Johnston Elementary School, Oliver Wendell Holmes Junior High School and Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. While in high school she sang in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Concert Choir. She traveled with the choir participating in competitions across Texas. She is a member of Roosevelt High School’s graduating Class of 1978. Mildred had a strong work ethic, instilled in her by her mother. As a child, she spent her summers working at Swiss Cleaners with her mom. When she was a little older she earned money by getting groceries for the neighbors from the neighborhood store and mowing their lawns. Her professional work experience includes: employment with Mobil Oil, Mary Kay, TXU Energy and CRC Group located in the Oncor Building. She worked for CRC Group until her health failed her this year. In 1984, her life changed when she became the proud mother of her son Marcus Lynne. Marcus was the center of her world. She dressed him fashionably in suits and hats. Mildred provided Marcus numerous opportunities to develop his talents and gifts in sports, music and modeling. Mildred loved watching football and basketball. Her love of sports extended beyond simply watching. She played on Mobil Oil’s Dallas Softball Team and played in the Women Intramural Basketball League. Also, Mildred coached girls and boys athletic teams. She coached Oliver Wendell Holmes’ girls and boys Soccer Teams and her son’s basketball team the Yellow Jackets. While serving as their coach, the Yellow Jackets placed fourth in a tournament. Sis. Mildred was a lifelong member of the Free Church of God in Christ in Jesus’ Name on Morrell Ave. Her mother became a member when Mildred was a very young child. She was baptized in Jesus’ Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost in her early teens. In her early 20s Sis. Mildred’s pastor and founder of the Free Church, Bishop Earl Evans Jr., chose her as one of his official drivers. She drove the late Bishop Evans to the Free Church Congregations throughout Texas and in various states. Sis. Derricks was an active member in the organization. Her desire to work with the youth began in the early 1980s and continued until her death. She has served as the local Sunday Night Sunshine Band Teacher, Assistant Sabbath School Teacher for Young Peoples’ Class, Vacation Bible School Assistant Teacher and Vice President of the Young People Christian Workers (Y.P.C.W.) of Dallas. Additionally, Sis. Mildred was a member of the Jesus Only Evangelistic Choir, Mass Choir of The Free Churches of God in Christ in Jesus’ Name, Inc. and the Usher Board. In 2014, after her mom, the late Mother Lessie Hollins was called home to glory, Sis. Derricks became the Morrell Avenue Free Church Queen. Worshiping God by beating the tambourine and drums is what Sis. Mildred loved doing the most. She loved beating the drums and she beat them superbly! When the spirit of the Lord fell upon Sis. Derricks she could beat the tambourine and drums for hours and would not become tired! One Saturday after church a visitor told her, “You really beat that tambourine!. I’ve never seen anyone beat the tambourine like that”. The visitor was told, “You should see her beat the drums! She does that even better”. Sis. Derricks was preceded in death by her mother, Mother Lessie Hollins; father, Mr. John Calvin Jacobs Jr.; stepfather, Deacon Elton Hollins; and brother, Elder Thomas Derricks Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories: son, Marcus Lynne Derricks Sr. (De’asure); granddaughter, Sariyah Lynae Derricks; grandson, Marcus Lynne Derricks Jr.; brothers: Clyde Derricks (Valarie), Willie Derricks, Arthur Derricks (Willie Mae), John Calvin Jr and Jeffery Jacobs (Lachon); sisters: Amos Roney, Sarah Reeves (Reginald); and Anjaryl Jacobs; special friends, Shirley Davis and Ruth Richardson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family that she dearly loved.