Derrick Asafu-Adjaye

Derrick Kwabena Boakye Asafu-Adjaye Morton was born on November 3rd, 1992.  He was the oldest child of Emmanuel Asafu-Adjaye Morton and Rosetta Aba Asafu-Adjaye.  Derrick as he was known to all is the older brother of Brenda Asafu-Adjaye Morton.  He grew up in Irving and Grand Prairie, Texas. 

Derrick attended Garner Elementary School, Florence Hill Elementary School and  South Grand Prairie High School.  After graduating, he was accepted at the University of Texas at San Antonio and later transferred to UT Tyler to study Industrial Engineering. After a couple of years at UT Tyler, Derrick suspended his studies and took up a job at Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines. His plan was to work for a few years and then go back to finish his college education. 

Derrick was so excited about his job as a Gate Agent that he often came home to tell us about how he handled situations that arose on his job. For the short period that he worked with Envoy, he made an impact on all who came into contact with him.  Derrick planned to use his flight benefits to travel the world but alas it was not to be.

Derrick loved to travel and as a child he travelled with the family to Ghana numerous times. During these visits he got the opportunity to visit with his numerous cousins, uncles, aunties, and grandparents. In 2017 Derrick travelled alone to Ghana where he spent six months rediscovering his roots. He toured all the regions of Ghana in seven days with Heritage Caravan organized by CITI FM. He had the opportunity to visit some of the historical sites in Ghana. He would frequently call home to share his experiences with us back in the US. Derrick formed very long-lasting relationships with the tour participants and until his demise nurtured those relationships.

Derrick was quite religious and asked a lot of existential questions in general and in particular questions related to his Christian faith. He participated in Bible studies and did not hesitate to share his faith.

Derrick cherished his relationship with his friends and was loyal to a fault. He would come to the aid of all who needed him. He would loan money out of his little savings and often at the peril of himself. After several conversations with him, he recognized this and was working to fix that; as can be seen on his Facebook post: “I need to stop living for people and start focusing on myself.” Derrick, we all feel the tremendous loss: your smile, gentle nature, your loyalty and above all your love of people will be sorely missed.

Derrick Kwabena Boakye Asafu-Adjaye Morton may your gentle and humble soul Rest in Perfect Peace in the Bosom of the Almighty Father. 

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