Obituary of Derek J Williams

Derek, was born to his loving parents Raymond J Williams and Shirley E Taylor on June 18, 1963. He was predeceased in death by his parents. Derek a lifelong Yonkers resident attended Yonkers Public schools, eventually graduating from Saunders Trade & Technical High School. After high school, Derek immediately began working as a HVAC mechanic with Castle Oil Company. In 1992, Derek married his childhood friend and one true love Jocelyn Williams. To this union was born a daughter, Kyla Simone Williams. His love for his family, friends and community was immeasurable, as was his strength, and now his legacy. Derek was as hardworking, responsible and reliable man. Directly from high school, for 37 years Derek worked as mechanic for Castle Oil/ Sprague. During his tenure, for 20 years he proudly served as shop steward. Over the years, Derek trained and mentored many mechanics. Derek is definition of a "Man's Man who loved life, music and had a "New York State of Mind", he lived in Westchester but his heart belonged to Manhattan. Derek and Joyce spent their weekends discovering NYC nuances. Derek lived his life with grace and dignity, he spent as much time as possible with family and friends. Derek will forever be remembered, as "Big D", "Uncle Derek" or "D, who enjoyed simple fun, food, and drinks, such as Dusse`, hamburgers, cheesecake, decorating family events and bar-b-ques. This year one of Derek's finest moments was when he joined Shiloh Baptist Church and dedicated his life to Christ. Derek was an incredible man and loving partner to his wife Jocelyn, as well as, an amazing father to their daughter Kyla. Derek and Jocelyn were married November 21, 1992 and together embarked on a 28-year journey that coveted love, friendship and family. Undoubtedly "his" Kyla was the sparkle in his eye, or as he would say his "Water Blossom". To her, he is the world's greatest dad! Most of all he loved his wife Jocelyn with a passion unlike anything we have ever seen. Among his many activities, Derek, was a member of JAS.H Farrell Lodge #34 F&AM. As a member of Runyon Heights Board of Directors, he served as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee. Aside from being survived by his wife and daughter, Derek also leaves behind his sister, Jacqueline Williams, god-mother Moular Wade, father and mother-in-law Arthur and Gloria Sabree, Sister-in-laws, Kim Toone (Jack), Diane Wilkins (Darryl), Aneesah Carney, Sakinah Sabree, and Brother-in-laws, Arthur and Faheem Sabree. Derek will forever be remembered by his treasured nieces, Bria Jefferies and Taylor Rae Jones, godson Antoine Coverdale, god-sister Maria Williams, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, one great-niece, extended family and dear friends.