Derbert Lee Dilworth

MY LIFE BORN: November 16, 1940 Amory, Mississippi PARENTS: Mattie Wilson and Kermit L. Dilworth EDUCATION: Derbert Dilworth began his education at Monroe County Training School in Amory, Mississippi. Upon graduation, he attended Mississippi Valley State College, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He obtained a Master of Science in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Specialist in Education from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE: Derbert Dilworth was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Amory, Mississippi at an early age. After relocating to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, he joined the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. While there he was a member of the Trustee Board, Brotherhood, Male Choir, Chairman of the Church Anniversary Committee, and various other committees. He remained active until the last few years when his health began to fail. PERSONAL LIFE: Derbert Dilworth was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie Wilson and Kermit L. Dilworth; brothers Kermit L. Dilworth, Jr., James D. Wilson, Dermit L. Dilworth, Lee Farris Dilworth, and Frank Howard Dilworth. CAREER: Derbert started his career as a teacher, football coach, and basketball coach at Elizabeth Key High School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He was the first Driver’s Education Teacher in the state of Mississippi to use the simulated driving equipment at Corinth High School in Corinth, Mississippi. The next year he began teaching and coaching at Nichols High School. He later became an assistant principal at Fernwood Junior High School, principal at Michel Junior High School and M.F. Nichols Junior High School in Biloxi, Mississippi. While in the Biloxi School System, he studied under William Glasser, Madeline Hunter, and Dudley Lynch in the Assertive Discipline Project and the Strategy of the Dolphin. He was instrumental in establishing the Assertive Discipline Project in the Biloxi School System. He conducted professional development training seminars within various school districts across the country. After 28 years in the Mississippi Public Schools System, he accepted a position in the Orleans Parish School System as principal at Sarah T. Reed High School and Samuel Green Middle School in New Orleans, Louisiana. After 15 years in the Orleans Parish School System, Derbert retired from education. AFFILIATIONS: Derbert was actively involved in many civic and social organizations including, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Life Member), Sportsman Club of the Gulf Coast, Kiwanis Civic Organization, the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees), the Mississippi High School Activities Association, and the Mississippi Valley State University Alumni Association (Life Member). For many years Derbert volunteered with The Lord is My Help Soup Kitchen in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Derbert played with the first Mississippi Negro League baseball team, the Biloxi Dodgers. Derbert was inducted into the Monroe County Training School/ West Amory High School Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Valley State University Athletic Hall of Fame. On May 5, 2018, Derbert was inducted into the first class of the Ocean Springs High School Athletic Hall of Fame. SURVIVORS: He leaves to cherish fond memories : his devoted wife of 37 years, Gloria Jean; three sons, Duane (Vivian) Rucker, Derbert, Jr (Robin), and Darrell Dilworth; six grandchildren, Jeuronathan Rucker, Patrick Rucker, Datonya Dilworth, Drakarrus Dilworth, Melissa McDole and Samantha McDole, ; two great-grandchildren, Jazmine Rucker and Hendrix James Rucker; brother, Reverend Kermit Dilworth, Jr. (Lois).; sisters, Marian Dickson and Y. Denise Wilson; nephew, Patrick Howard; two god-children, Kristen Morris and Kristopher Morris; sister-in-laws, Rosie Lee Perry, Yvonne (Leonard) Moore, and Juanita (Fird) Grover; brother-in-laws, Joe Ford, and Elmo Escher, Jr; a special daughter, Kay Horne; a special friend, Dorothy Hudgies; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and mentees who loved him. The care of Principal Derbert Lee Dilworth has been entrusted to RICHMOND-AUGUST FUNERAL HOME. Inquiries: 228-436-6722.