Family will receive friends on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. until time of Service at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Life Church 2407 Beech Rd. NW New Albany, OH 43054. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Derrick Craig Lewis was born on June 19, 1963 to William (Billy) Evans, and Brenda Joyce Mason. He departed this earthly life and began his eternal one in heaven on June 19, 2024, his 61st birthday.

Derrick attended Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio and later relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana where he completed his secondary education, graduating from Emmerich Manual High School.  While in high school, Derrick joined the Army National Guard. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, IL. Upon completing his commission, he attended the University of Purdue in Indianapolis, IN. Derrick returned to Columbus, Ohio in the early 90’s and joined the Air National Guard, and was stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. 

Shortly after joining the Air National Guard, Derrick surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ while attending Body of Christ Tabernacle (later known as All Nations Church); and dedicated the rest of his life serving the Lord.  He joined Bible Way Church, where he studied under and was mentored by Bishop William C. Latta, who ordained him in 2001 as a minister under the Bible Way Church of our Lord Jesus Christ Worldwide, Inc. He later joined World Harvest Church under the leadership of Dr. Rod Parsley and attended World Harvest Bible College/Valor Christian College, where he obtained an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Evangelism. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry from Ohio Christian University in 2011.  In 2009, Derrick was accredited a licensed minister under the World Harvest Church Ministerial Fellowship. Derrick faithfully served in outreach ministry (Metro Harvest Church), Children’s Ministry, Usher Board and as a Greeter while attending World Harvest Church with his family. He ultimately settled his family at Oasis of Love Community Church in 2020, under the leadership of his covenant brother Apostle Alfred Tagoe.  He was one of the ministry’s founding members and became one of the first ordained Elders of the church in 2022. Derrick launched the Oasis Men’s Ministry (Oasis Men of Valor) and led in many other aspects of ministry with his wife.  Derrick remained a devoted member of Oasis of Love Community Church until the time of his passing.

Derrick really came alive in 2001 when he reconnected with his grade school sweetheart, Carla Hughes, after almost thirty years apart.  After eight months of courtship, the blissful pair tied the knot and stayed in love for the 23 years that they were together.  Derrick’s life really-really came alive when they welcomed their precious daughter, Da’lasia, into their loving family. Derrick treasured family and was so honored to be a husband and father,  something anyone who knew him can attest to.  He and Carla would serve together in various ministry capacities during their 23 years of marriage. 

Derrick’s difficult childhood inspired his life’s ministry of mentoring youth and developing men. He’d often say, “If you find your why, you’ll find your purpose.” Making a difference in the lives of youth, whose stories were even remotely similar to his, was definitely his “why?”. His life passion was therefore to fulfill the greatest commandment, to love God and serve people.  He represented a plethora of organizations throughout his career and ministry including, but not limited to: Communities in Schools, Men of Courage, Columbus Urban League, LifeWise, The Women’s Clinic of Columbus, United Way, The Community Restorative Circle (Franklin County Juvenile Courts), Heart of a Mentor, Just for You, Inc., The Mentoring Center, A+ Academy, First Team, and Nia Youth Academy.  His years of service and tireless dedication have been recognized and has had influence in  Education, Ministry, Government and countless lives. In 2016 Derrick was recognized and honored by Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council, upon graduation from the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.   In  the same year, he would be honored a second time by the Columbus City Council for his commitment to investing in the lives of young people.  Derrick received a Congressional Recognition award from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, of the U.S. House of Representatives, for his service to the Columbus Community as a mentor for his work at the Mentoring Center of Central Ohio.  In 2019, Derrick completed the Community Health Worker Program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, and received certification as a Community Health Worker by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing.  His tireless efforts and commitment to his community will have a lasting impact, and provides  a stellar example for those who follow in his path.

The word of God encourages us to leave a legacy. Derrick has undoubtedly done just that. Through his selflessness and a heart for others’ well-being, God used him to positively impact the lives of so many.  Upon entering our Savior’s presence  we are certain Derrick heard “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”  Derrick, your family is beyond proud of who you were and all that you accomplished. Now rest well in the arms of your beloved Lord.

Derrick is survived and will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 23 years, Carla Lewis, and their treasured daughter, Da’lasia Lewis, who dearly loved and supported him during his life’s journey; beloved siblings, DeAundra Mason; Darla (Larry) Kelso; Charles Henry (Saori) Mason, Jr.; Tamara (Sulayman) Mason Brown; Roderick Russell; Barrett Evans; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Derrick is preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, William Brown Evans and Delmos Barrett; maternal grandparents, Harry Sloan (Ruth) Lewis, and Klara L. Turner; sister, Brandii Michelle Mason; and niece, Brandii Maria Jenee Shaw. 

A special acknowledgement to our beloved sisters in Christ, Wanda Powell, Deborah Franklin, and Stella Jesse. His brother-in-love, Larry Kelso, whose prayers, visits, and unspoken acts of kindness and support, further sealed his and Derrick’s special bond.  His beloved brother in the Spirit, Willie Clarke and his wife Michelle, who prayed earnestly and visited tirelessly, encouraging both Derrick and his family.  Heart-felt gratitude to friend and brother, Pastor Jimmy McFadden, for his diligent prayer and support as he sat at Derrick’s bedside in the midnight hour.  

With love and gratitude, the family extends a special thank you to Pastors Alfred and Angela Tagoe and the Oasis of Love Community of Church, Columbus, OH, and Faith Life Church (Pastors Gary and Drenda Keesee) of New Albany, OH