Derrick "Disco" Johnson

Mr. Derrick “Disco” Antonio Johnson passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, 2:00 pm at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church (Rev. Alan Harris), 1006 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33606, with Evangelist Rick Johnson Officiating and Pastor Coller Williams Eulogizing. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. MASK RECOMMENDED.

Derrick was born May 26, 1979, in Tampa, FL, to his mother, Dorothy Lovette. He was educated in the public school system of Hillsborough County. Derrick was a devoted, loving father with an unwavering determination to provide the best for his children to ensure their happiness and well-being.

Respected in the community, “Disco,” as he was affectionately called, was a well-known Disc Jockey with a passion for music and entertainment. His musical passion was lifelong, and his gifted talent was admired by many. His loved ones described him as an optimistic man with an infectious spirit who often filled rooms with melodic rhythms, joy, and happiness, as only such talent of his caliber could achieve. His jovial yet honest demeanor was enough to bring joy and happiness to any room he entered.

Derrick lived his life by the phrase “Live, Laugh, Love.” The phrase became a mantra of sorts in his daily life, as described by his partner in life and love (Janelle). Derrick was devoted to living a life of positivity and joy, consistently encouraging, reaffirming, and challenging those around him to live their best lives. Loved personally and professionally – evidenced by the outpouring of love and cherished memories shared by so many. Derrick did, in fact, “Live, Laugh, Love” he lived a life he was determined to enjoy. He shared and provided laughs often and expressed his love through unwavering acts of loyalty.

Derrick leaves a legacy of harmonies and dedicated “soundtracks to life” for his family and loved ones to enjoy and cherish on future milestones and momentous occasions.

Derrick was preceded in death by: his loving grandmother, Doris Barbara Thomas; and his elder aunt, Helen Starling (Rudolph).

He leaves to cherish his memory and enjoy his soundtrack to life: his mother, Dorothy Lovette; a devoted life partner, Janelle Brooks; daughter, Tamia Kelis Taggett; son, Derrick Antonio Johnson Jr., and son in heart, Zemberiah Strong; sisters, Katina Brown (Tony); and Tracey Latson (Donald); nieces, Tatyonna Brown, Ashia Brown, Taylor Sands, Alexandria Reed, Brianna Latson, and Jade Latson; nephews, Marques Ford, Antonio Brown, and Darion Latson; a cousin like a brother, Christopher Johnson; aunts, Sharon Doakes (George), Gail Kelly, Lila Johnson, Sue Thomas, Gwendolyn Lail, Ernestine Johnson, Tanya Johnson, Wanda Johnson, and Natalie Johnson; uncles, Johnny Johnson (Rebecca), Rick Johnson (Rosalyn), Vernice Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, and Horace Johnson; cousins, Cathy Alexander (Amos), Theodore Johnson (Doris), Donald Lovette, Edward “Grant” Miller, Thomas “Charlie” Kegler, Damon Smith, Bridgette Williams, Briana Walton, Ricky Johnson Jr., Ginger Johnson, Cicely Johnson, Joy Johnson, Brandy Johnson, Rock Johnson, Marlin Johnson, Jumah Johnson, Travis Johnson, Theodore Johnson Jr., and Morgan Johnson; West Tampa Friends and Families; best friend, Bishop Cummings Jr.; special friend, Howard Harvin (Lashawna); mother at heart, Coller Williams; father at heart, Oliver Brooks; sister at heart, Shayna Brooks; brother at heart, Kaleb Brooks; and a host of other loving cousins and family members.

The visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.  MASK RECOMMENDED.

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