Hello Derrick 'HoneyBoy' Niba, my handsome son, I miss you beyond words or my imagination. I am grateful to God who blessed me with you and that you made a difference in my life. What an honor and blessing to be your Mom and to know the experience and power of LOVE. Kiyah and I celebrated Christmas (2012) together; we had a good time with lots of laughs and tender moments to help heal our hearts that miss YOU. I watched your tribute DVD the other day because I needed to. It helps to keep me grounded. It's not easy without you Derrick but I do my best with God's help and I do so to honor YOU: your life, your essence and your legacy. I remain proud to be your Mom, and I remain strong because LOVE NEVER DIES! I Love You Derrick!!! Forever, MOM.

I miss you madly little one!!!

Dear Derrick, Today as I watched Amalia, I just wished she could meet you. I know you see her from Heaven. Rest assured we will tell her about you and the fun person you are. Just missing you today. Wherever you are, please feel the love I am sending your way. - love, Belle

REALLY MISSING YOU! thinking of little memories growing up and you were in almost all of them imitating someone and just making plans for when we grew up. We're all grown now and God had other plans. Miss you dearly hun. Simple words nor Joyful sounds can explain. RIP

To my beloved brother on you birthday! You are by far the most gentle, kind hearted, fun loving, peaceful and resillient person I ever knew. As we celebrate your birthday, I know you are in heaven smiling down at us. Happy birthday, bro and continue to rest in peace- Love you, D-man! Elvis Niba-

We miss you.

Too Much memories i feel like my brain is going to overload.. I can't believe he's gone... but..... he is still he within our hearts and right beside us in spirit. You will truly be missed. - Rolando

Today we celebrated the kife of Derrick in Chicago...it was so joyous and wonderful. The laughs we shared, our memories of his life together with ours, seeing all the family and friends, the hugs, the smiles. the thought that our "angel" continues to shine and has guided us together for the holidays. Don't cry for our angel, rejoice for his life and his time with us all. With all my heart..To' Derrick "Dewitt" Niba, you will always be our Angel and will never be forgotten. Watch over me and guide me this day forward. Love Always...Your Cousin, Auntie, Sister, Friend and Confidant..Cuz'n "K"...Carolyn

None of us can believe he's gone. starting from Takoma (for me) and Blair til now, he's always been there. Now we have to accept that he is definitely an angel we met for a brief period of time and is now going on to enjoy eternity. We cannot be mad he is gone, we can only accept that he will forever watch over us. It was definitely sudden and unexpected, but so is life, it is too short, we have to cherish our loved ones at all times. His passing definitely made us realize that Derrick was here for a reason, and has served his purpose and has moved on. I miss him. My heart goes out to the family as well. Michea A Dobson

My sympathy goes to the family along with all his friends for Derricks lost. The last time i spoke to Derrick on AIM about a month ago he was on his way to the hospital. I'm on my way to the hospital AGAIN! is what he will always say..and we both laughed. I wished him all the best and told him to let me know if he needed anything. With him being who he was even if he needed something he will never say it and make it seem like everything was just fine. I also remember back in Piney Branch when we hated our parts n the play and always made fun of the man who will let us out for recess..lol we reminisced on that even in our years in HS. Derrick will truly be missed, Even though there really aren't any words of comfort. Always remember his grin, his chuckle, and the sound effects he would make when he animated something..lol those thoughts along with others are truly unforgettable moments. He shall always be with us in his own little way.. REST IN PEACE ... Love Shenell

My sincere condolence to the family on this tragic loss. May the Lord comfort and keep you as only He can. I had the opportunity to meet Derrick a couple of years ago and I know that you all were very fond of him. May his light continue to shine in the hearts of all he impacted.

Loveliness we've lost These empty days without your smile This torch we'll always carry For our golden child Derrick And even though we try The truth brings us to tears All our words cannot express The joy you brought us through the years And it seems to me you lived your life Like a candle in the wind Never fading with the sunset When the rain set in And we will always love you from now to eternity Your candle's burned out long before Your legend never will

Get the tissues out!

A great mj tune and a touch heartbreaking.

One of Elton John's greatest hits--Daniel.

1999 live at Madison Square Garden, NewYork city

On Tuesday last week I called the hospital to speak to Derrick. I spoke to Mom and Derrick. Derrick was weak and talking to the Doctor. I was passing on a message for him. I was asking Mom to tell him that we (Elvis and I) loved him very much when he finished with the Doctor and Mom said "you should tell him". I said to him "Derrick you know we love you very much right?" He said "yes". "You have to try to eat so you can get better ok?" he answered "I know". We spoke a bit before hanging up. I had spoken to Derrick before on other hospital visits but this time was different. The next day, I called him again and he was struggling to speak. We spoke briefly and I told him I will leave him to rest a bit. I expected to speak with him the next day but that was not to be. Derrick we love and miss you. That infectious laugh of yours. Your good humor. Your easy going attitude. I liked it when you listened. When I thought you were off base on something, you never argued about it. You simply took the feedback and tried to do better, be better. You are a gem and will be forever remembered because of that special person you are.