Derrick Ty Barrett

Mr. Derrick Ty Barrett passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the age of 55. He was born December 19, 1962 in Waukegan, Illinois to Cleo Kilpatrick and Williada Jernigan.

Derrick was adopted by his great-grandparents, Luther Sr. and Willa Barrett. Mrs. Barrett introduced Derrick to God and the Bible, and this is where he attained his spirituality and love of humanity. As a teenager, Derrick was an avid reader and collector of Marvel Comic books. He was an excellent artist and acquired numerous professional accolades for his creative drawings. One drawing in particular was of a futuristic city, which began as a laser device and developed into something much greater. He was a graduate of Saginaw High School, “Class of 1981.” Derrick moved to Los Angeles, California in 1983 where he worked for the Los Angeles School District and Los Angeles Parks and Recreation. In recent years, he was a caretaker at a group home for individuals with special needs. Derrick was an avid fan of science fiction movies and series, his favorites being the original Star Wars and Star Trek. His favorite episode of Star Trek was called "City on the Edge of Forever", in which Captain Kirk had to let his love interest die to save the world. Not only was Derrick creative, he was funny as well. He had an impeccable sense of comedic timing that would have you laughing uncontrollably until the side of your chest hurt. He also had a serious side that would call you at two or three in the morning to talk about topics ranging from religion, politics, world history and sports. Derrick was a lover of people. He learned about different cultures and this helped him relate to anybody. He often gave food to homeless individuals and the less fortunate. Derrick was a good person with a kind soul and he is truly missed.

Mr. Barrett leaves to cherish his memory, his companion of seventeen years, Ruzanna Aslanyan; grandmother, Julia Barrett; stepfather, Alvin Jernigan; two sisters, Linda Waites, Reverend Dr. DoriAnn Jernigan-Williams; three brothers, Darnell Jernigan, Delbert Wayne (Chris) Jernigan, Jonathan Kilpatrick; uncle, Gregory (Evelyn) Barrett; aunts, Andrea Rowe, Kathleen Rodgers; niece, Kyah Jernigan; nephew, Jermel Ty Waites; cousins, Deon Barrett, Todd Whitaker, Angelique Jenkins, Shirley Williams; a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including childhood best friend, Leonard Arnold.

Mr. Barrett was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Kilpatrick; mother, Williada Jernigan; grandfather, Luther Barrett, Jr.; great-grandparents, Luther and Willa Barrett, Sr.; brother, Davere Kilpatrick.

The family wishes to thank our relatives and friends for their kind expressions of concern and heartfelt sympathy during our bereavement. May God richly bless each of you. Thank you.
“The Family”