Obituary
Mr. Derrick Emory Bussell Jr., “DB,” 38, of Danville, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on October 27, 2026, at Duke University Hospital.
Derrick was born on April 25, 1988, to the late Derrick Emory Bussell Sr. and Brenda Jean Bussell. He attended Danville Public Schools and graduated from George Washington High School in 2006. Derrick continued his education at Danville Community College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Electronics.
In addition to being a loving and respectful son, Derrick was a protector, a loyal friend, and an amazing uncle. Derrick’s humble spirit touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Derrick loved his family, and when it came to those he loved, he didn’t play!
Derrick was truly the life of the party, with his big smile and infectious laugh. Derrick was always full of laughter and jokes. There was never a dull moment when Derrick was around. He could find a way to make everyone laugh.
Derrick was preceded in death by his father, Derrick Emory Bussell Sr.; his paternal grandparents, George H. Bussell and Rosetta Bussell; his maternal grandparents, William T. Williamson and Annie Jean Williamson; his grandfather, Larry M. Wallace Sr.; and a special aunt, Teresa W. Grasty.
Derrick leaves to cherish his memories his devoted mother, Brenda Jean Bussell; his stepfather, Gary Elder; his baby sister, Beronica Barley; his brother, Marcus Cunningham (Tiffany); two nieces, Briella Barley and Blessyn Barley; his Godmother, Pamela Meritt; his beloved aunt and second mother, Jacqueline D. Williamson; two additional aunts, Margaret J. Bussell Ingram of Chicago, Illinois, and Karen E. Bussell of Peoria, Arizona; three uncles, Timothy Williamson (Stacie) of Columbus, Ohio, Larry Wallace, and Courtney Wallace (Teniecia); two very special grandmothers, Evalena Wallace and Faye Miles; two cousins who were especially dear to him, Tyrek Greene and Tereka Greene; and a host of family and friends.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, located at 447 Old South Main Street, Danville, Virginia. Pastor Donald Smith of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia, will serve as Eulogist.
For those unable to attend in person, the memorial service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.
The family is receiving friends daily from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the home of his sister, Ms. Beronica Barley, located at 812 Westview Drive, Danville, Virginia.
On the day of the service, the family is asked to assemble at the home of Ms. Beronica Barley at 1:30 p.m.
Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, Operator, Monica W. Martin, Funeral Directress, (434)799-9262.
Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mr. Derrick Emory Bussell Jr., please click here to visit our sympathy store.