On Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, Derrel Otis Durant departed this  earthly life when God, seeing His child growing weary, dispatched an angel to gently beckon him home. Derrel was born on December 17, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Margaret and Otis Davis.

In 1975, Derrel moved to Florence, South Carolina, where he was educated in the Florence County Public School System. A God-fearing man who loved the Lord with all his heart, Derrel lived a life rooted in faith, generosity, and kindness.

On July 2, 2016, Derrel united in holy matrimony with his queen, best friend, and helpmate, Evelyn Veronica Washington. Through this union, he lovingly adopted Tydrick as his own. A devoted husband and father, Derrel built his home upon a  solid foundation of love, integrity, and commitment. He was a hardworking construction worker whose skillful hands and gentle spirit touched countless lives. Derrel never met a stranger, and his legacy of compassion, warmth, and sincerity will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Derrel was preceded in death by his two sons, Cedric and Demetrius Robinson; his parents, Otis and Margaret Davis; maternal grandparents, BoPete and Rosa Lee Peterson; paternal grandparents, Otis Townsend Davis, Sr., and Maggie Logan Davis; and two sisters, Carolyn Peterson and Patricia Castleberry.

He leaves to cherish his precious and loving memories his devoted wife, Evelyn Durant of the home; son, Tydrick Washington and daughter, Daresha Durant both of Florence, SC; one beloved granddaughter, Paige Deniece Robinson of Pocomoke, Maryland.

He is also survived by his siblings, Willie Durant, Jr., Herman (Joanne) Durant, and Theresa Graham, all of Florence, South Carolina; two aunts, Mazie Abraham of  Florence, South Carolina, and Amy Dennis of Lithonia, Georgia; uncle Mose (Pauline) Peterson of Florence, SC; mother-in-law, Donna Washington; sister-in-law, Sharon Washington; brother-in-law, DeMario Washington; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Derrel also leaves behind eight lifelong friends—Myron, Jerald, Gerry, Bobby, Gil, Wendell, David, and Derrick—who will forever treasure the bond they shared. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, Derrel's spirit, love, and memory will remain forever in our hearts.