Derrick Fitzgerald Grimes

Derrick Fitzgerals Grimes was born May 31, 1964, in Lancaster, California. He was the 7th of 11 children born to the union of Mae Lois Jones (deceased) and Roscoe Grimes (deceased). He attended school in Lancaster, California and graduated from Antelope Valley High School.

In Proverbs 22:6, the word of God says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Derrick exemplified this in every way. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age and attended the First Community Church in Sun Village California. As a youth, he served as President of the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) at the church. He would travel yearly to different states to participate in the CYF annual conference and was honored to serve as a National Conference President. He demonstrated a God-given talent for piano playing for many years (before his feet could reach the pedals). Derrick used this talent for the Lord, playing piano for many churches, groups, soloists and for the Antelope Valley Federation of Choirs. It was unusual for Derrick to walk into any church without playing the piano. He was always at home in the Lord's house. When First Community Church closed its doors, Derrick began attending the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. He continued his faithful work as Minister of Music as well as the Assistant Advisor for the youth in the Bible Training Union (BTU).

Derrick worked as an auto mechanic and transmission specialist for 39 years. His expertise in auto transmissions is well-known all over the Valley. He enjoyed traveling, church, family, friends, bowling, banking, cooking and various sports officiating. Most of all he loved the Lord.

Derrick is survived by his sisters and brothers: Rena Thomas-Baley; Minister Leonard, Clifford, Jim, Ray and Cynthia Grimes; Pamela Nava, Flame McFerrin; Alberta Scates; Rosalynd Scates-Hudspeth; and Bettye Dean. He is also survived by Brothers-in-law, Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Church Family, and many Friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, sisters Vanessa Ashford-Wiley and Patricia Grimes-Davis, and nieces Felicia Grimes and Taneka Grimes.

Derrick has fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. He will be missed here on earth, but we look forward to our glorious reunion where we'll walk around heaven all day!