Derek A. Maxie

Derek A. Maxie passed away on November 8, 2025, after a battle with diabetes.

Derek was born on June 21, 1974, to the late Mary Alice Nickens and Bobby Wayne Smith in Cleveland, Ohio.

Derek’s love in life was shooting pool. This was a trait that he picked up from his Uncle Al. Derek was always up for a good argument. As a matter of fact, he loved them. He loved to tell “stories” and jokes. He loved to see others happy and full of laughter. Above all he loved his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brother Eric W. Nickens Sr., three nephews Eric W. Jones, Eric W. Nickens, Jr., and Nicholis D. Nickens, great nephew Ayden Pera all of Cleveland, Ohio, his aunts Lola Nickens and Denise Nickens both of Cleveland, Ohio, Dorothy Henson of Marion, Ohio, Lena Jones and Sharon Washington of Union Springs, Alabama, and Catherine Nickens of Montgomery, Alabama, his uncle Willie Edward (Paula) Washington, and three cousins (more like sisters) Dionne (Jon) Davidson of Mansfield, Ohio, Felicia Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Karen (Rick) Clay of Marion, Ohio.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents, stepfather Melvin Billingsley, his uncles Michael Nickens, Walter Nickens, James Washington, Alfonza Nickens, Dennis Nickens, and Clarence Washington, and his aunt Zollie Nickens.

The family would like to thank Ashley Harris for the stellar care that she provided for Derek in his final days. Special thanks to Pathways Hospice especially nurse Jessica. Derek finally met his match in the care team of nurse Jessica, Karen, and Ashley. Thank you to Wise Medical Services for services that you provided. Ms. Summer, Derek’s case manager from Care Star, providing resources to allow us to make sure that Derek had 5-star care. For this we thank you. Lastly but not least, we would like to thank the Pool League community for all the fundraisers and support during this time.

There will be a Memorial Service for Derek on November 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mt. Zion Missionary Church at 475 Fairground Street Marion, Ohio 43302.