Derek Alonzo Jones was born on January 24, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Theodore L. Jones and Jonnie Mae Jones. On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Derek peacefully departed this life at his home.

Derek grew up in Philadelphia, where the foundation of his faith, intellect, and creativity began to take shape. He began his academic journey at Mitchell Preparatory School as a proud member of the Class of 1975. Even as a young man, he showed the intelligence, creativity, and determination that would define his life. During his time there, he participated in varsity track and baseball and was known for his academic ability and thoughtful nature.

Education remained important to Derek throughout his life. He went on to build a distinguished academic portfolio, earning his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Howard University, Class of 1982. After further expanding his expertise through studies at Temple University and Capitol Technology University, he completed his educational journey by earning a Master's degree in Information Systems from Strayer University, Class of 2014. Derek was a lifelong learner with a mind that was always reaching, solving, and building.

Derek's professional life reflected his intelligence, versatility, and quiet determination. Over the years, he shared his gifts in a variety of roles, including work with RCA and CSC, where he applied his technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. He later served as a licensed health insurance agent, using both compassion and expertise to help others navigate important healthcare decisions. In every season of his career, Derek was known as a thoughtful, capable man with a strong work ethic and a lifelong desire to learn.

Derek was a man of faith and remained connected to church throughout his life. He attended Mount Carmel Baptist Church throughout his childhood and early adulthood, where he was nurtured in faith and service. Throughout his adulthood, he attended Church of Christian Compassion and was a member of Sharon Baptist Church. His family gives thanks for the comfort of God's promises and for the assurance that Derek's life and memory rest in the care of the Lord.

Derek was also a man of many gifts. He loved music and found joy in playing guitar and bass, singing, and sharing his creativity. He also enjoyed drawing and had a gift for detailed pencil artwork. His creative spirit lived alongside his technical mind, making him both artist and engineer. He enjoyed computers, electronics, phones, cars, boxing, gardening, collecting, caring for his cats, and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. He was a man of many interests, many layers, and many gifts.

Derek was the proud father of two children, Lauren Anaïs Arnold and Andre Cameron Jones. His children carry memories that reflect both his complexity and his love.

Lauren remembers connecting with her father as a teenager and discovering how much of herself seemed to echo through him. Her love of coding, her musical ability, and her analytical way of thinking all felt connected to gifts he also carried. She remembers him attending her baby shower, meeting his grandson Christopher for the first time at a church picnic, buying Christopher his first football, sharing Father's Day brunch with both of his children, and offering support during seasons of her adult life.

Andre remembers the meaningful everyday moments: family dinners, birthday gatherings, eating crabs together, time spent around computers, and memories of camping, the mountains, and the cabin. These moments, simple and sincere, became part of the story of father and son. They reflect Derek's presence in family life and the memories that remain even after words fall short.

Derek shared a lifelong bond with his sister, Carla. They grew up closely connected, and that bond remained a significant part of his life. Her sorrow at his passing speaks to the depth of their relationship and the love they shared as brother and sister.

Derek also valued time with family during holidays, meals, gatherings, and special occasions. His life was not defined by one role or one season, but by the many ways he showed up through conversation, music, intellect, creativity, humor, and presence. He will be warmly remembered by family, classmates, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives he touched.

Derek was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore L. Jones and Jonnie Mae Jones, as well as his grandparents and other beloved family members who went before him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Lauren Anaïs Arnold and Andre Cameron Jones; his grandchildren, Christopher Arnold, Izaiah Jones, Naomi Jones, and Eden Jones; his sister, Carla Jones; his nephews, Darryl Harris and Daniel Harris; beloved family matriarch Dorothy Gardner, affectionately known as "Aunt Dotty"; and a host of cousins, extended family members, classmates, neighbors, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Derek's life was filled with thought, music, creativity, faith, and family. Though he has departed this earthly life, his memory will continue to live through the people he loved, the gifts he passed down, and the moments that will be treasured always.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

Flowers and donations are welcomed.