DEREK ALDOUS PHILLIPS, the husband of Japonica D. Phillips and the son of Johnny and Gaylinda Edwards Phillips was born in Killeen, Texas on September 5, 1973.

He was a member of the graduating class of 1992, Sumter High School and matriculated at Francis Marion College, Florence and Midlands Technical College in Columbia.  Derek served his country and democracy honorably  through the U. S. Army Reserve. His employment included Enterprise, Colonial  Life and Palmetto Health Richland, IT Specialist. He was an avid sports fan and zealous supporter of the Clemson Tigers and the Pittsburg Steelers.

He was united in Holy Wedlock to the former Japonica Davis and their marital experience was favored with splendor, sterling commitment and memories to precious to enumerate.

Nurtured in a Christian family, Derek distinguished himself early in life as a believer and united with the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.  His pilgrimage was later continued at Victory Full Gospel Interdenominational Church, where he vigorously and enthusiastically supported his pastor and aunt, Dr. Joann Murrill.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2018 his life was stilled in the quiet serenity of Palmetto Health Richland and his soul winged it flight to that "land of pure delight where saints immortal reign.  Those left to miss his presence and cherish his memories include his devoted wife of 13 years, Japonica Davis Phillips and his son, Christian Phillips, Columbia; his mothers and fathers, Johnny and Gaylinda Phillips, Sumter,  and Danna and Beverly Davis, Sr.; grandmother, Atdrean Palmore; his sisters and brother Lisa Williams, brother Dana Davis Jr.,  and sister Adrean Davis Sanders (Brian), all of Columbia; aunts and uncles, Pastor Dr. Joann Murrill (Jeff) Stanley Phillips (Glenda) Janice Phillips Brown (Morris), Ronald Phillips, Gwendolyn Phillips Burk, Calvin Phillips, Willie Phillips (Sonya), Oral Phillips (Savitra) Constance Phillips Bertha (Willie), Don Allen Phillips, all of Sumter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a plethora of friends.

He was preceded in death by John A. and Lilly M. Phillips  and Lewis Edwards and Gaynell Saxon Edwards.

Public Viewing  will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Phillips will be placed in the church on Tuesday at 11am for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 12noon at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church  with Pastor Larry Weston and Pastor Joann Murrill, Officiating.

Interment will follow in  Evergreen Memorial Park.

Family receiving friends at the home on his sister-in-law, 380 Thoroughbred Way, Elgin, SC 29045.