Derek Edwards McCoy

Derek Edwards McCoy Sr. 42 of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Covert, MI departed this life on September 17, 2021, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI, with his wife Shalonda McCoy by his side.

Derek Edwards McCoy Sr. was born March 14, 1979, to the union of the late Elder Paul Sr. and Annie Frank McCoy alongside his twin brother, Eric McCoy, in Kalamazoo, MI. Derek was the baby boy of the McCoy family. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age under the pastoral guidance of his father, Elder Paul H. McCoy Sr. at St. Paul Church of God In Christ in Covert, MI.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. -Proverbs 18:22 Derek received his favor from God in 1995, when he met the love of his life and the queen of his heart, Shalonda Kellum.  The two were united for 26 years.  Four beautiful children were born into this union; Derea, Daviya, Derek Jr, and Kingston. 

Derek graduated from Covert High School in 1998. He showed his bulldog pride while displaying his love for basketball. His love for sports, specifically basketball, continued as he played for two years with the Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He participated in many community tournaments while winning many first-place trophies. Derek enjoyed fishing with his brothers and children, teaching his children to be resilient, kind, and respectful towards others. His fondest moments in life were coaching his children how to play sports and watching them as they excelled in his teachings. Most of all, Derek loved cooking, whether it was grilling or cooking a family feast, food was always a way to bring family together. Derek loved being surrounded by family.

Derek worked for Peters Construction Company in Kalamazoo, MI.  Derek took pride in every job that he had and always went above and beyond.
Derek left an everlasting impression on everyone that he encountered. He was an immaculate father, role model, and amazing husband with a big heart and kind spirit. He always showed humility in all interactions with family and friends. No matter whom Derek encountered, whether he knew them or not, he would always show love toward them.  Derek will truly be missed!

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall keep our hearts and our minds through Christ Jesus”. -Philippians 4:7

Precious memories of his life and his legacy will forever live in the heart of his wife Shalonda McCoy and his four beautiful children, Derea McCoy, Daviya McCoy, Derek Edwards McCoy Jr., and Kingston McCoy. His siblings, Anna Lisa Johnson, Serena Hines, Paul (Sara) McCoy, Cynthia McCoy, Regina (Harry) Childress, Stefan (Khristen) McCoy, Tekieliah (Damon) Brown, Patrick McCoy, his beloved twin brother Eric (Altamese) McCoy, Maryellen Allan, Samantha (Dontay) Smith and Dezirae (TaiYonna) Jordan, his beautiful family of love, Leroy and Leona Kellum, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Derek was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Paul Sr. and Annie Frank McCoy, paternal grandparents, Superintendent John Edward Sr. and Annie L. McCoy, maternal grandparents Joe Frank and Lula Mae Kelley.

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