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Obituaries

Hundreds Crowd Providence Baptist for Associate Pastor's Funeral

Derek Moses remembered as bright minister, accountant, friend and loving family man.

Hundreds of mourners from the Cascade community and across Atlanta came together to celebrate the life for Rev. Derek Wayne Moses on Saturday afternoon at his church home, Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Moses, an accountant and associate pastor of Providence, was fatality shot last week at his financial office on Cascade Road. His BMW was stolen and found abandoned several hours later by Atlanta police. He was to preach on last Sunday afternoon, however, he  did not make it to service.  His body was discovered on Monday around 10 a.m. by a co-worker.  No arrest have been made and police are continuing the investigation.

Moses was remembered as a father, a pastor, and a financial supporter of his community.  A host of friends, clergy, neighbors, community leaders and classmates from Moses' alma mater Douglass High School came together to share memories of his legacy.

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Clergy tributes were made by Rev. Phillip Terry, Emmanuel Light of the World, College Park, GA; Rev. William E. Flippen, The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA;  Dr. Howard W. Creecy, Jr. The Olivet Church, Fayetteville, GA,  and Bishop Quicy L. Carswell, the Covenant Cathedral, Atlanta, GA.  Several ministers called for community harmony by knowing and loving your neighbor. 

The Rev. Dr. Gerald  Durley, senior pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, shared the Biblical meaning of the name “Derek,”  "Ruler and Helper of People."   He said Derek would help anyone that came along.  He acknowledged the financial support Moses  gave the community by  preparing their taxes.  Also, Rev. Durley encouraged the community  to forgive the person(s) that committed the  senseless crime. 

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Lauren Terry performed a musical selection  “Be Encouraged.” The song’s lyrics reminded those listening, “trouble don’t last always.” Kevin Walker performed  through dance “We Shall Behold Him."

Classmates from Douglass High School Class of ‘71, Fisk University Class ’73 and Columbia University, where he received his MBA at the age of 21 in 1975, were acknowledged for attending the service. 

Moses was preceded in death by his parents.  He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Matthew  Moses of Atlanta, GA; Aunt, Gladys Thornton Pittman of Atlanta, GA; Sisters: Barbara Jean (Booker T. Caldwell) of Atlanta, GA; Kwana Moses Scott of Warner Robins, GA, and Valencia M. (Walter) of Atlanta, GA; Uncle, Mather (Gwedolyn) Moses of Harrisburg Pennsylvania and Alonzo “Tank” Moses of Atlanta, GA.

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