Derrick Ladd

Derrick L Ladd was born in Dayton, OH on May 25, 1959 to Cornelious and Loretta Ladd. His courageous battle with cancer ended on Friday, February 6, 2015. His Heavenly Father won! Derrick welcomed the long awaited call.

Derrick moved with the family to the Cincinnati area in 1973 as a result of a job change of a parent. He attended Mt. Healthy High School, graduating class of 1977. Derrick aspired to play basketball and played at Mt. Healthy HS until respiratory problems prohibited a long term commitment. He continued however to carry his basketball everywhere, naming it “Betsy Ball”. Upon graduating he worked for the US Postal Service until surrendering to his growing interest in music’s business side, which he had studied diligently.

He started with managing the group later known as “The Deele”, which included the then unknown artists; Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, owners of LaFace Records. Derrick’s sister Lynelle (Denise) Ladd married Babyface and they moved to Los Angeles and soon after moved to Atlanta. Derrick left the US Postal Service and worked at LaFace. He also worked extensively with many local groups in Cincinnati and formed “The Movies” who later had members become members of “Blessed Union of Souls”. He collaborated with numerous musicians, singers, and songwriters throughout the years. His latest efforts included developing and promoting his step-daughters; Christina, Catherine and Brittney Parks, who all perform as individual artists.

His other notable endeavor was to partner with celebrated educator, Marva Collins, building and expanding her methods into private and charter schools throughout the US. He lived in Hilton Head, SC for a number of years, location of Marva Collins Headquarters.

Derrick relocated back to Beckett Ridge in West Chester, OH in 2007 when an illness was determined to be a rare cancer. Derrick’s personal life includes a daughter; Christina born in 1989 in Cincinnati and a son; Daniel born in 1992 in Los Angeles. Both are attending college in Florida.

In 2008 he was blessed to meet “soul mate” Cheryl, his angel (and daughters; Christina, Catherine, and Brittney Parks). Upon marriage she inherited the famous name Cheryl Ladd. She has been a devoted and faithful partner.

In addition to his parents, wife, and children all mentioned above – Derrick leaves to cherish his memory two brothers; Valdez Ladd (Aska), Dwayne Ladd, and a sister; Lynelle Denise Ladd. He leaves three sisters-in-law; Wanda Strong (Leroy), Deborah Martin (Russel), and Teresa Ryans, one brother- in-law; Lucius Ryans (Debra). Aunts; Knobby Jo Parks, Joan Gross, cousins; Ronald Gross, Vickie Weathers, Vernon Reeves, Rod Parks, and Mundy Parks. He also leaves nephews and nieces; Aron Gross, Francesca Weathers, Francisco Weathers, Erika Ladd, Kaylee Mallard and a host of other relatives.

To his friends, too numerous to name individually; Derrick leaves his love, his spirit, and his example. You know who you are! God bless you and the family thanks you.