In Monroe, Louisiana, Melvin (who preceded him in death), and Bernice Thomas welcomed their bouncing baby boy into the world on January 1, 1965, their New Year blessing, and named him Derrick Fitzgerald Mack. Derrick was raised to know the Lord as a young boy attending Eudora Baptist Church. His education includes Delta High School in Mer Rouge, La and later graduated from Job Corps. He had a close relationship with his sister Lessie Mack Debouse talking several times a week on the phone and often joking about them being the same age for a few weeks. Growing up Derrick was surrounded by family with lots of cousins. His grandparents Sonny & Elner Jones (Maternal) and Gus & Mae Ella Harris (Paternal) preceded him in death. In 1996, with daughter Tierra, he blended his family by marrying Comekia Sylvester who also had daughter Quanesha. Together daughter Janequia and son Derrick were born to this union. Derrick later moved to California where he became another girl dad and fathered daughter Madeline. He worked as a carpenter with his uncle and as a Caregiver in a family Board ‘N Care. During this time, he faced many physical challenges often in silence. Derrick was close to cousins Bobby, Bennie and Berry and enjoyed listening to music, watching sports, and putting meat on the grill. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan often yelling “Who Dat?” Derrick also called “DMack” loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He loved playing dominoes and listening to Sir Charles Jones sing his favorite song “Take Care of Mama.” Although miles away from his mom, they both burned up the phone lines to stay in touch with one another. Derrick adored his mom and was blessed to travel to Bastrop in 2023 for a visit. In March 2022, Derrick met Tandra. The two enjoyed life together living, loving, and laughing while attending cultural events, concerts, traveling and going on outings with her grandkids who lovingly called him Grandpa Derrick. In 2024, he faced more physical challenges with Tan by his side. On Friday, Feb. 28th Tan talked with DMack on the phone who stated before hanging up, “I’m ok” and only a few days later on Tues. March 4th, 2025, he was found deceased in his home. Derrick slept away peacefully. Through it all Derrick never lost his faith in God and would attend Bethel Baptist Church with family and on occasion West Angeles COGIC with Tan. Derrick remained strong and determined to fight as long as he could. His death has left a void in all of our hearts. But his physical suffering is now over. No more pain! Stepmom Margaret Thomas, brother George Thomas and one grandchild preceded him in death.

His memories are left to: His Mother, Bernice Thomas; Daughters, Tierria, Janequia and Madeline Mack, Quanesha Sylvester; Son, Derrick Sylvester; 7 Grandchildren; Sister, Lessie Mack Debouse (Arthur); Brothers Melvin Thomas Jr. (Linda), Timothy White, Shawn Moore; Companion and Friend, Tan Griffin; Step-Siblings; Angela Rembert, Terrie Smith (Richard), Dewayne McKinney and Lyndon McKinney (Inet); A host of family members to include Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Homeboys, Homegirls, Classmates, Extended Family and Friends.

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