Derek Rendell Thompson, 58, came into this world a little early and left way too soon. Born December 5, 1966, a preemie and only child of Carolyn Ann Thompson and the late Cornelius Wilson, Derek was the light of his grandmother Emily's and great-grandmother Pauline's eyes.

Derek spent his early childhood in Maclin Circle in Hopewell, VA until he moved to Washington, DC with his mother at the age of 13. From an early age, Derek's grandmother, Emily, made sure he stayed active, signing him up for as many sports teams as she could.

Known in the neighborhood as "Ricky", Derek played football from an early age, helping him to fine-tune his athletic talents and secure his position as a star running back at Crossland High School in Maryland, where he broke the rushing record in 1985. Afterwards, he earned a football scholarship to Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, VA. After a semester, Derek transferred with a full scholarship to Virginia State University, where he played football and ran track.

Afterwards, Derek moved back to Washington DC, where he began his journey into adulthood in the sales industry, working with many companies in the retail, home improvement and journalism arenas.

Derek was full of life and laughter. His motto was, "Live. Love. Laugh." He loved the Lord, his family, DC go-go music, and the Dallas Cowboys.  Forever the foodie, Derek also spent many hours crafting delicious dishes from recipes he saw on YouTube and shared with everyone he touched, including with homeless residents near his home.

Always a go-getter, Derek believed in going after what he wanted. On December 23, 2023, Derek married his soul mate and best friend. Not long after, his health challenges began to slow him down, but didn't stop him. His kind nature and generous spirit kept him motivated to share culinary creations and interesting gadgets with his family. He brought that energy to Zillow in January, where he earned high praise for his professionalism and record sales results.

Derek was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Pauline Thompson; grandmother, Emily L. Hicks; step-grandfather, John Roscoe "Daddy Russ" Davis; aunt, Frances Taylor; and his faithful canine daughter, Logan.

Left behind to cherish memories of Derek's love and laughter are his devoted wife and best friend, Adrienne Reaves Thompson; his mother, Carolyn Thompson; a step-son, Marvin Taylor, Jr.; one grandson, Zyair (who lovingly called him "Poppy"); uncle, Roscoe "Boo" Davis; aunt, Deaconess Charlotte P. Jones (Dea. Ronnie); mother-in-law, Deaconess Bernice Reaves; sister-in-law, Benita Reaves; brothers-in-law, Robert "Bobby" (Marsha) and Roderick "Rico" Reaves; as well as a host of other relatives and friends, including devoted life-long friend, Van Postell of Maryland.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Morning Star Baptist Church, 19121 Brandon Road, Spring Grove, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Elliott, Jr., Pastor/eulogist.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 7:30 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., Friday, May 23, 2025 at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.