Derrick Marcell Smith Jr. "DJ" was born in Denver CO on August 10, 1998, to Derrick Marcell Smith Sr., and Melanie Marie Bass-Smith. Derrick was the third child and grew up on the Eastside of Denver. He went to Hallet where his aunt Charlsie took care of him. Derrick also went to school in Aurora and attended George Washington in Denver, where he graduated in 2016. DJ struggled through high school, but God blessed him, and he made the Honor Roll; he was a man of faith. Derrick was a part of the Boys and Girls Club in Aurora and Denver where he received youth of the year and teen of the month. As a result of winning those awards, DJ received a dual scholarship and attended CMU. Derrick was in his third year of college and was majoring in Business Marketing. DJ also held a certification in Entrepreneurship and Small Business and that was only one of the many awards and certifications. DJ ventured into building a valet company called Night Wolf with cousin and partner Elijiah Wallin. Derrick moved to Wyoming where he and Zach started a franchise for Cutco. Derrick was a helper, he obtained his passport and wanted to go to Africa as a volunteer. He wanted to take a little break from school due to his health. Derrick enjoyed Bible Study, playing basketball with his brother, playing lacrosse, and just simply having fun. DJ also liked helping the needy, volunteering, and telling people about Jesus. Derrick is proceeded in death by his great grandmother Julia Culver, great grandfather H.J. Adams (Ethel Rene Adams), grandfathers Billie Ray Stiggers Sr., and Cleveland J. Bass, aunts Jeanetta Tracey Bass, Sherry Edwards, and Elisha White Smith, uncle J.H. Adams. Derrick departed this life on January 4,2024. He leaves to cherish his memory , dad Derrick Smith Sr., mom Melanie Marie Bass-Smith, his siblings Dedrick M. Bass (Sharon) and Cedrick M. Smith, Rodrick J. Smith, Nakiya Smith, Marqua Smith, Marcell Smith, Dea'cian Smith, Braclelynn Smith, and Davian Smith grandmothers Ivy Smith and grannie Irene Adams Bass, aunts, Iona Fay Davis and (Louis), Edna D. Johnson, Earnestine Mays, Charlsie L. Williams, Reata J. Adams, Carolyn Mays Adams, Eloise Vaughn, Felecia Vaughn, Gayle Canaday, Leticia Culver, Nichelle Rae Stiggers, Lashea Rae Stiggers, Rhonda Fisher (Droop), uncles Sidney Smith, Billy Ray Stiggers II (Saba), Steven Adams, Clayton Smith, nephew Dedrick M. Bass Jr, nieces, Zylah Hope Smith, and Laylah Smith, as well as a host of cousins all of Denver, CO