Derek attended elementary school in Warren, Arkansas and proved that he was astute as he was selected for advanced placement as well as talented and gifted classes. As Derek entered into middle school, he found himself in Drew Central School District. Derek fit right in with good grades and a special love for and talent as a basketball player. Derek graduated from Drew Central in the Class of 1998.
Derek went on to college at Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden, AR and was able to secure a great job with Intel Corporation in Rio Rancho, New Mexico upon graduation. Derek thrived under the Intel Culture and was making moves to get back into the company after leaving Intel and working in an equitable sales career. Derek was a beloved member of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity Inc. and was known as brother Krucial. He was affable and loved being in the public eye. Derek was a joy to be around.
Derek entered into eternal peace on August 17, 2024, at 44 years old. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Maria Antoinette Thomas, and his adoptive parents, Alice Marie Thomas Pickett and Billy Ray Pickett. Derek also leaves behind to cherish his special memories, his three older brothers, Bruce (Renae) Thomas, Wilmar, AR, Ronald (LaNita) Pickett, Albuquerque, NM, Michael (Shameka) Pickett, Wilmar, AR; a very special nephew, Demetrius Daniels; his father, Larry D. Washington, grandparents, Lemar (L. C.) Washington and Mary J. Washington of Monticello; aunts, Sandra L. Jamison (Richard) of Pine Bluff, AR, Diane Davis, Mary A. Bailey, Nancy L. Bowman ( Antione) of Monticello; uncles, Gary D. Washington (Michelle), and Lemar Washington Jr. of Monticello. Derek was especially close to cousins, Jeremy Tucker and Gary Shepherd of Houston, Tx and Joshua Jamison of Columbia, S. C. He is survived by his great aunts and uncles and numerous cousins and friends.
A private family graveside will be held in Turner Hill Cemetery, Wilmar, Arkansas. You can sign Derek's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(1)
Ryan McRae
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 26, 2024 I hadn't seen Derek in over 20 years. He was always a class act and probably the most respectful guy in school. Thought highly of himself in a good way, great character, and never got in trouble. He was a senior when I was a sophomore. He always encouraged the underclassmen. We played basketball together. I remember the day he got his brand new Tommy Hilfiger white shoes during the Christmas tourney as UAM. He was so proud of them. We changed into our jerseys and began the game. When we got back in the locker room at halftime, someone had went into the locker room and stole his shoes.It was probably the only time I ever saw him mad. We were losing the game. However, I believe it fueled a basketball monster because he hit SEVEN 3-pointers in the 2nd half and DC won the UAM Christmas tourney trophy.
Prayers for the family during time!