Derrick D. Rountree – Metropolitan Funeral

The Cut of Life

Derrick Deshawn “Boogie” Rountree  46, went into his eternal rest on Thursday, June 24, 2021.  Derrick was born to Maurice Sawyer and the late Paulette A. Rountree-Hopkins on January 12, 1975.  He was educated through Norfolk Public Schools and received a certificate in Culinary Arts from Tidewater Community College. He was a self-trained master barber who took pride in his craft as he serviced many in the community. He was naturally talented in music and artwork.  During his high school years, he was a proud member of the highly recognized singing group Harmony Swing.  Derrick recently discovered a talent for writing.  Before his untimely passing, he was actively working on his first book.

His spiritual journey first began as a young boy at New Life Chapel Church under the leadership of now Bishop Carl J. Vann, Sr. During his teenage years he joined The Way of The Cross Church (WOTC) where he continued to grow spiritually.  He used his gift of singing as a member of the WOTC choir.

Derrick was loving, tenderhearted, and passionate about his family.  He was loved by all and easy to befriend.  Derrick never met a stranger; if you were his friend, you were his family.  Staying connected to his loved ones was especially important to him, he never left your presence without saying, “I love you.”

His loving mother, Paulette A. Rountree-Hopkins, his beautiful aunt, Carletta Henderson and his grandfather, Paul Rountree, precedes him in his journey to rest.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Onrico Bennett, Onrionte’ Bennett, and Onrishe’ Bennett.  Also, he leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted grandmother, Sarah F. Whitaker; his father, Maurice Sawyer; two sisters: Tracy Williams and Cecelia Rountree-Payne (Eugene); three loving aunts: Wanda Rountree, Sharon Sawyer Ware, and Teresa Cowell; five uncles: Alton Rountree, Kelvin “Shoney” Rountree, Sherman Rountree, Corneilous Sawyer, and Hinton Lee Sawyer; a special nephew, Ethan Payne: and a host of cousins, family, and friends who love him dearly.