Derek Deshawn Coleman's Obituary
Derek Deshawn Coleman was born in Miami Beach, Florida, on June 27, 1995 and died a tragic death on April 8, 2020 in Miami, Florida, where he lived his whole life. He would have been 25 in June. He was taken from us far too soon.
Like all of us, Derek had his demons. But he always had a huge heart. Food or friendship for strangers and a fierce loyalty and compassion for his friends and family. He and his mother knocked heads, but in the end loved each other dearly. He was all about his mom and she was all about him, her only son. He would go workout with his abu and run medicine over to her when he thought she was sick. He loved her so and she him. After spending time in a shelter, he learned to cut hair and gave people haircuts so they could go out and try to get a job. And after coming home, he helped hand out blankets and care packages to those on the streets.
Last year he met the love of his life, Jennifer Sainz Diaz – the person who would change him. The person who would lead him out of his depression and anxiety. He found a new purpose in life. He started taking Jennifer to work and her children back and forth from school. He then had a terrible accident a couple of months ago in Jennifer’s car, so he took it on himself to fix and register his car, pay off past-due tolls and to get it insured so he could continue to meet his new-found responsibilities. Although to some these steps may seem insignificant, they were new and monumental steps for Derek in his short life. He finally felt he had a purpose and was stepping up to meet it.
Before he was taken from us, Derek was happier than he had ever been. During those last precious months, he was learning how to be who he wanted to be. Sadly, we will never get to see the man he would become. But we will remember how he lived his life to the fullest, always knowing it was too short. We love and will miss you always, Derek.
Derek was predeceased by his paternal grandparents and is survived by his loving mother, Erica Hunt, his maternal grandparents William and Maria Ines Hunt, his uncle Diego Hunt, his stepsiblings Danielle Robinson, Carmika Robinson, Shamyra Coleman, Donald Coleman III, Michelle Coleman and Deandre Coleman, his cousins and many friends.
A viewing will be held this Sunday, April 12, 2020, from 1 to 5 pm at the Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel at 11220 N. Kendall Drive, Miami, Florida, 33176, with a service at 3:30 pm. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions in place, no more than 10 people at a time may participate in the viewing. We ask that you please exercise good judgment and adhere to social distancing restrictions for your safety and that of our family and other guests. The service and viewing will also be live streamed via Webcast starting at 12:30 pm if you wish to participate remotely. If so, please contact Van Orsdel directly for more information.
If you want to send flowers, you can order from Marie's Florals (www.mariesflorals.com), which partners with Van Orsdel, or from the vendor of your choice for delivery to Van Orsdel before the service. Or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (donate.lls.org) in honor or memory of Derek.
What’s your fondest memory of Derek?
What’s a lesson you learned from Derek?
Share a story where Derek's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Derek you’ll never forget.
How did Derek make you smile?
