Derien Fitzpatrick went home peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus on the morning of April 28, 2022. She was the dear wife of Albert E. Fitzpatrick, former Executive Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Derien was born in Cleveland Ohio and received her Undergraduate Degree in Education from Kent State University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Akron. She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omega Chapter in 1954.  She met her husband Al at Kent State University and they have been married for 66 years. Derien spent most of her career teaching elementary school children in the Akron area which is one her many gifts that she continued to use throughout her life.

Some of Derien’s early accomplishments were teaching and mentoring in the Akron Public School System; The Head Start Program and Phi Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority. Derien is a Jennings Scholar from Kent State University and received her Master of Science in Supervisor Education from the University of Akron. In addition to her many professional accomplishments Derien is a servant leader at Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church working for the Missionary Society as the Life Members Chair, Wesley Temple Foundation, Bulletin Board Ministry, Tutor, Chancel Choir, and Bible School Teacher.

Her community advocacy spans from working with voter registration in marginalized communities in Miami Florida; supporting the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Akron’s Black History Gallery, to being a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Derien was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for more than 68 years. She was the first to introduce Little Miss Fashionetta as one of Zeta Tau Omega’s (ZTO) programs as an annual scholarship fundraiser for young girls. She is also a founding member of ZTO’s Pearl Foundation which sponsors college scholarships and other philanthropic programs for the ZTO Chapter.

Derien was first and foremost dedicated to God, her family, and her church. She lived every moment to the fullest and made friends everywhere she went. She had an infectious smile that lit up a room. She always had love and compassion for everyone. You could always call on her and she would be right there. She especially loved her role as Mawaw, caring for her grandchildren “Zubba,” “Jaybird,” “Bre Bre,” and “Drew Doo.” Derien loved to travel and has visited more than 30 countries all over the globe. One of her most favorite trips was her Alaskan cruise with her dearest friend, Yvonne Averitte.

Mom always had eyes that always saw the best, a heart that forgave the worst,
a mind that forgot the bad, and a soul that never lost faith.

She is survived by her husband, Al Fitzpatrick; loving children, Sharon Fitzpatrick (Ronald Allen), Karyle (Jim) Thornton, Albert (Melissa) Fitzpatrick; daughter-in-love, Barbel Fitzpatrick; four grandchildren: Alexander Fitzpatrick, James Thornton III, Bryanna (Marcell) Hazzard, and Andrew Thornton; two great grandchildren: Carmello Fitzpatrick and Isaiah Hazzard. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and close friends.