Darrell L. Carruthers

The Journey of Darrell Lamon Carruthers

Early Life

On March 5, 1962, a beautiful baby boy was born at Dallas County Medical Center in Fordyce, Arkansas. He was named Darrell Lamon but many of his closest family and friends called him “Lemonade,” a nickname affectionately bestowed on him by Deacon Guy Newton. Darrell’s parents were James and Alice Carruthers of Bearden, Arkansas which is where Darrell lived with his grandmother, the late Jossie Howard Lambert, until he was five years old. When she experienced health issues, his parents took him to Detroit, Michigan to live with them.

Education

In Detroit, Darrell attended Krolik Elementary School. In 1975, the family moved to Southfield, Michigan, and he enrolled in E.J. Lederle Middle School. Darrell graduated from Southfield High School in June 1980.

Darrell had a love for vehicles and decided to attend Denver Diesel and Automotive College in Denver, Colorado. He received a certificate for his expertise in driving tractor trailers after he completed the program at Chauffeurs Training School, Inc., in Detroit in 1991. He graduated with perfect attendance and was known for his extraordinary skill as a truck driver.

Spirituality

Darrell's family attended and were active members of Greater Christ Baptist Church in Detroit where the late Dr. Jacob C. Oglesby was Senior Pastor. Darrell united with Greater Christ at the age of twelve and was baptized by Dr. Oglesby.

During his youth, Darrell was active in his church, singing in the choir and attending Sunday School. He was also a Boy Scout in Rev. Tate's Troop Number 327, and he continued his scouting pursuits, obtaining Eagle Scout status.

Darrell later united with New St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Walter K. Cheeks where Darrell served as a devoted choir member.

After moving back to Arkansas in 2013, Darrell united with the Greater 3-4 Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock where his Uncle Robert and Aunt Bert were members. Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Franklyn was the pastor.

Darrell truly had a love for Jesus Christ and his people. On most Sundays, he could be found in a worship service.

Work Experience

Prior to driving trucks for numerous companies, Darrell worked as a chef at several restaurants in Detroit, including the renowned Roostertail -- one of the Motor City's top event venues located on the Detroit River.

Matrimony

Darrell met his lovely wife, Evelyn Fisher, nine years ago in Little Rock. They were married on December 20, 2018, by his mother, Rev. Alice Carruthers.

Summation

As a teenager, Darrell loved skating, biking, tobogganing, and swimming. He was intelligent and had a keen sense of humor. He was a lovable person who never met a stranger, and his gift for conversation endeared him to friends from every walk of life.

Darrell had a quick mind and excelled in trucking, mechanical work, and home carpentry. He could fix anything and was often called on to help family and friends with repairs around their homes. Very few things got the best of Darrell because he was an overcomer. He fought a heartbreaking battle with addiction, but he never stopped loving the Lord, his people, his wife, his family, or his Aunt Bert with whom he had a special bond.

Journey's End

On December 16th, 2022, an Angel of Mercy entered Darrell's apartment in Little Rock and said, "Peace Be Still," and relieved him of his painful struggle.

Darrell was preceded in death by his dad, James E. Carruthers and a loving brother, Patrick Andre Carruthers.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories, a loving wife, Evelyn Fisher Carruthers; a devoted mother, Rev. Alice Carruthers; two beautiful daughters, Charmaine (Quentin) Hill and Jessica Briana Harris; one son, James Caldwell Carruthers; one brother, James Kenneth (Yvonne) Carruthers; three grandchildren, Cha'niya Miller, Caprice Hill and Randall Rias; a special god brother, Eric Dunbar — all of whom live in Detroit. Also mourning his passing are his three stepchildren: Dankela Cleeg; Eshawn Fisher and Stephen Newborn of Little Rock, Arkansas; three aunts, Joyce Wilridge of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Alberta Momon, Little Rock, Arkansas and Everlena Johnson, Kansas City, Kansas; one uncle, Waymon (Maedell) Howard, West Bloomfield, Michigan; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

Submitted by the Carruthers Family 

Services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery Street, Little Rock with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Franklin, officiating and Minister Anthony Jackson, eulogist.