Derek Caldwell McClure-Hewitt of Lexington Park, Maryland was born on April 25, 1970, in Gastonia, North Carolina. He was the youngest son of Frank McClure and the late Jymmie Jackson McClure.
In 1988, Derek graduated from Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia, NC. Derek received his Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in 1994 and was quickly hired by Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) in Maryland. Derek was devoted to the staff and students of CCPS, especially his Patuxent-Appeal Campus family. His passion for teaching early childhood students was evident to anyone who entered his classroom. He spent the duration of his 29-year career teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grade. Derek was a master teacher and lifelong learner. For his years of dedication and hard work, he received many awards and accolades, including Rookie Teacher of the Year (1994), Employee of the Month, and Patuxent-Appeal Campus teacher of the year. Most recently, he was a nominee for the 2021 Excellence in Online Teaching award. Derek also served as a new teacher mentor, district equity liaison, summer school teacher, Maryland State Kindergarten validator, curriculum writer, and trainer of teachers.
Derek centered his life around Faith, Family and Food. He had a beautiful voice and was a member of various church choirs throughout his life. In his role as an ordained minister, he presided over many family celebrations.
Derek married his husband, Kelly, on August 7, 1999. They became foster parents soon after their marriage and through this process, they adopted son, Jamari on November 17, 2010.
Derek was a passionate foodie. He and husband Kelly owned and operated a cottage bakery called Derekel’s Delightful Desserts from which they produced a variety of baked goods and meals. Derek loved to celebrate his life and the lives of his family and friends. Planning special occasion parties and group activities gave Derek such joy, and at each event or gathering he would always pair the perfect menu, with the perfect cocktail, with the perfect outfit.
Derek leaves to cherish his memory, husband Kelly McClure-Hewitt; loving son, Jamari; father, Frank McClure; sisters, Frances Stanfield (Reginald), Jara Smith (William Sr.); brother, Frank “Tony” McClure; aunt, Vanessa Mobley (Terry); sisters-in-law, Denna and Jodi Strevig-Hewitt; three nephews, Caleb Smith, William Smith Jr., and Mason Strevig-Hewitt; two nieces, Rachel Johnson and Mya Strevig-Hewitt; cousins, Kirsten Alford (Ernest), Chalmar (Nelly), and a host of godchildren, family, friends. and students.
Derek is predeceased by his mother, Jymmie Jackson McClure and grandparents, James and Juanita Jackson. Derek wrapped us all in his light and love, now we must continue his mission to spread that love.
Family and friends will gather on Thursday, May 11, 2023 for visitation from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; service from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at First Missionary Baptist Church, 46370 Pegg Lane, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Interment to follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
As a former principal of Patuxent Elementary I had the privilege of working with Mr: McClure for four years. He was a great teacher and a wonderful individual. I have many fond memories.
Best,
Dennis Vogel, Ed.D
Mid Levels
Hong Kong
Just hearing of this I’m so sorry for your loss. Derek was such an amazing person. He will be missed
Sending our love to you in this difficult time. Derek was so loved and we are so fortunate to have met him. Much love from the Burnette Bunch
To Kelly, Jamari, family and friends:
My prayer is that God will grant you peace and comfort during this time of mourning, and “ great strength for tomorrow” because we know that Derek is at peace with our Lord! God bless you all.
Debi Simmons
Derek and I were childhood friends from Gastonia, NC. We also shared the same birthday. I fondly remember having our birthday parties at McDonald’s on East Franklin Blvd. While attending, Rhyne Elementary, we used to love having church during recess. Later in life, when Derek received his calling, he would often come to my church, Hood Memorial A.M.E.Zion Church, Belmont, NC, and preach during our special programs. My dear friend and brother in Christ is now home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I will see him again…
To Kelly, Jamari, Frank, and remaining family friends, you have my condolences, love, and prayers.
My Friend Derek was Amazing! We had so much Fun during College Days going to everyone’s church (Mt Olive , IHOP WS and a Host of others), pulling over on 52 or 40 to give God a Dance or Run right on the highway sleep overs at my place and having Sunday Dinners at K&W! We didn’t really know each other in Hight school in which attended the same school at the same time but I’m so Happy God crossed out paths at Ol’SU!
You will be missed my Dear Friend!!
Praying for Kelly and Baby Boy
Love Much
Val
From the moment Derek in 1997, wearing his Charlie Brown tie, knelt down to my son’s eye level to speak to him on his first day of school, I knew he was a very special man.
Derek left a vast trail of love & light that will continue forever to make this world s better place—a place our hearts dream of. It was a joy to know him.
Our angel had been called home.
Derek was nothing less than a gift from God. His love radiated with a light so bright you couldn’t help but feel its warmth. The prayer to St. Francis, may as well have been written for Derek. In a world with hateful actions, Derek sowed love. Where he saw injury, he would greet it with unconditional forgiveness. Where there was doubt, his deep faith was freely shared. Derek was a never-ending source of hope, joy and light. That light is not extinguished with his passing. It is intensified by all of those who loved him as we will continue to live by his example. I will remember him always.
Ms Thompson , You have written here the most Beautiful words of condolences, but more than that such a loving and heartfelt tribute to Derek’s Legacy ..
He will be missed. condolences to the family
Extending heartfelt sympathy and love to the McClure and Hewitt family. We will certainly miss Derek’s radiant smile and laughter of love. He will forever be in our hearts!
Kelly I am so saddened by this loss and I send prayers of healing to you, your son Jamari, and your extended family!! Much love. Mark Kornmann
We had a great time as children in Myrtle School and Knollwood Drive. Derek was the best choir director we ever had. His ability to arrange music in minutes for our Fruit of the Spirit acapella choir was amazing. He taught me how to drive in that old blue car. Our youth was eventful and one of constant explain and innocent trouble. I’ll never forget you old friend. Be well with our maker.
Nina McKinney
The deepest sympathies imaginable are sent your way, McClure-Hewitt family, as well as to all who had the privilege to know Derek, because to know him was to absolutely love him. I am so grateful to have had that blessing, and shared it with so many.
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for you Kelly, Jamari, and your family. Know that our thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time. Derek was a courageous servant of God. —love from our family to yours.
Mr. Clure Hewitt always told his students to do their best. He never expected them to be perfect but to do the best they could. His smile, bubbly personality and zest for life will truly be missed. Prayers for the family and always cherish the memories. Simply the Best!
So very sorry to hear of Derrick’s death.
He was such a talented and vivacious spirit. My heart goes out to family, and friends.
Rest in power sir!
My sincere condolences to the McClure Hewitt family. May you find comfort and peace in your treasured memories of your beloved Derek.
Colfax, NC
Our deepest sympathies for your tremendous loss. My daughter was a student of his this year. She loved going to school and he taught her so much. She said that she will miss Mr. McClure-Hewitt. I will keep the family and everyone who was attached to Mr. McClure-Hewitt in my prayers. Peace and comfort to you.
Kelly I am so sorry to hear about the loss if Derrick! Working with both of you at PES was such a wonderful time. You both were such a wonderful team and my prayers go out to you and the family . God Bless you and the family during this difficult time. ❤️
Donna McCrory
Mr. McClure was my Kindergarden teacher at Patuxent Elementary School. I will always remember him for his positive attitude and bright smile. Sending my condolences to his family, friends, former/present students, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time. May he rest in peace
Kelly & Jamari,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that fond memories of Derek will soften your grief.
Kelly and Jamari,
Sending you all the love and prayers. There are simply no words to convey how sorry we are for your loss. Derek’s love and light made us all better people just because we were lucky enough to know him. I know that beautiful light was brightest when it was shining on both of you. Take care of each other and know there are so many people who are praying for y’all. We promise to keep spreading the love and light.
Felicia and Ash Castiglione
Kristen and I are sending love, prayers and light to you and Jamari. May God comfort and strengthen you now and always .
Much love ❤️
Kristen and I send light and love to you and Jamari. May God comfort and strengthen you during this time and always.
Much love ❤️
Sending our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, praying for you all.
Kelly,
May the comfort of our Lord hold you close during this difficult time. Praying for you continuously.
Our deepest condolences to Mr. McClure Hewitt’s family and all those of us who loved him. He has shaped so many young people into amazing adults who love to learn as much as he loved to teach. Prayers of comfort and peace.