O'Kelley Family Tree

Disclaimer: This tree was drawn in the 1970's based on oral history.  There are a few known discrepancies.  Family members are welcome to submit updates or corrections for our growing family tree.  This tree drawing is a  family memento.

O'Kelley Family Logo

O'Kelley Crest

Life Reflections

DERECK CHARLTON WEST was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 22, 1961 to Anderson and Charlesetta West.  He was the third of four children.

Dereck attended St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from University City High School in 1979.

Dereck enlisted in the United States Army and served skillfully as an aircraft mechanic.  He received several commendations and was promoted to the rank of sergeant.   Dereck served for four years and was honorably discharged.

Dereck was employed at McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) Aircraft as an aircraft mechanic for twelve years.  He also worked in the insurance industry where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

On June 2, 1984 Dereck married the love of his life, Jacqueline Denise Parham, and to this union four handsome sons were born.

A devoted husband and father, Dereck was a loving, caring and compassionate man who treasured spending time with his family and also sharing the Word of God.  He was a giver and assisted people from all walks of life.  His integrity, his practical wisdom and his encouraging words were a blessing to many.

Dereck received Christ as his personal Lord and Savior in 1977 at Solomon's Temple, under the leadership of Reverend Albert Manson, where he served as a deacon.  He became a member of the choir and played drums.

In 1988 he received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and joined Abundant Life Fellowship Church.  Dereck was instrumental in several ministries, representing a true example of servanthood.  Dereck served as Department Head of the Food and Clothing Ministry and Health Care Ministry.  He was a teacher of several classes; New Beginnings, Kingdom Believers Family and Relationships and Pre-Martial.  He also ministered as an Altar Counselor, Morning Prayer Leader and Home Bible Outreach Leader, Dereck was active in Couples Fellowship and Men's Fellowship.  As a testament of his outreach nature and love for sports, Dereck played on the Church softball and bowling teams.

Dereck was ordained a deacon and later an elder of Abundant Life Fellowship Church.   On December 9, 2001, he was installed as Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio by Bishop Matthew Ferguson.  His congregation in Cincinnati and St. Louis church family dearly loved him.

He passed form this life on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 6:07p.m.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving, devoted wife, Jacqueline; four sons, Jareck, Dereck Jr., Dorian and Joshua; mother, Charlesetta West; father, Anderson West, Sr.; sister, Shirley (Steve) Graham; brothers, Charles (Angela) Moorehead and Anderson West, Jr.; father-in-law, John Parham; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.