After graduating from High School Dershawn immediately enrolled at Glendale Commununity College to study Electronics while holding down a part time job for a few months. He was motivated and focused on his future continued his education online and went to work fulltime when he found out he and the love of his life, that he began dating while in high school, Tatiana L. Hubbard had a baby on the way. He could not be prouder. He admitted to me that he was a little nervous but he was going to be there for his son and this motivated him more to get an education and a career. After the birth of their son Dershawn Depreece Stuard Jr, (DJ) he decided that he wanted to join the military to better provide for his family and to complete his educational goals with the hopes of working for Boeing. Dershawn wanted to give DJ and Tatiana the world. He was so family oriented. I am so proud of the way he took care of and provided for his family (Tati & DJ).  He would always spend time with his brothers, Tatiana, and her brother;. Dershawn had an owesome bond with his brothers and their cousin Marquis that they refer to as their brother. Dershawn tried to be the best role model being the big brother he would often talk to them about the importance of getting an education, being trustworthy, honest, and dependale. He also lived by his moto "Live life with no regrets".

THe day DJ was born was one of the prodest moments in his life. He vowed to Tatiana and myself that he was going to be the most devoted father in history and he lived up to that promise. I was so impressed at how loving and attentive he was to his son; it was impressive because of his age. Not too many 21 year olds are that involved but Dershawn was a very unique individual that marched to the beat of his own drum. He was not impressed by what others thought he should be but lived up to his own standards. DJ just brought out the best in him as a father.

Dershawn loved the Lord and he would always put him first in all he did.  He would tell me I'm going to pray about and see what God says. He loved to read the Bible and would often come to me to answer questions that he had. I have to admit that it made me get in my word a little more often to be able to asnwer him when he came to me. He was actively seeking a church home but that did not keep him from worshiping and fellowshiping. He was baptised and truly belived in God and this gives me comfort in knowing that I will see him again one day.

As far back as I can remember Dershawn has had a passion for basketball that was a motivating factor for him. From the time he first picked up a basketball he was in love with the sport. He started playing at the park in our neighborhood and at school during P.E. or lunch break. He wanted to play every chance he got. Basketball soon became a stress reliever so if he got worked up about anythig he never argued about it he would go out and shoot a couple of rounds until he has calm. Anytime he had anything on his mind he took it took the court or did physical excersies.
Dershawn played basketball his freshman year in high school and shortly after that he started playing for FNL church's leauge (coach Clyde Miller)as well as for the City of Phoenix Parks and receration where he played for the Invinceables for coach Vince Reese. He later went on to play for the traveling basketball team Flight 23. Dershawn also played basketball at the City of Phoenix Rec Center with Dante Scroggins and other teachers from his High School Mr. Ashurst, Mr. Smith (son). Basketball was his true passion in life he was always up for a game no matter where, the time, or "who wanted to be schooled".
   

Dershawn always had to know how things worked he would take his toys apart to find out what made it do what it did. I would watch him in amasement taking them apart  learning what, how, and why it operated then putting them back together. He's always been a numbers person and loved working with numbers; he was even awarded the human calculator award in the 3rd and 5th grade. Dershawn was a real handy man he could figure out how to do anything and he would not stop until he had it figured out. I would always go to him for any technical issues; from comupter issues to cell phone problems. But it did not stop there he even did some repairs our dryer and had it working better than before. I mean there wasn't anything he couldn't do. He even had to show his "Pops" up by recreating a science project that was meant to be a windmill, Dershawn turned it into a Robot that waled and all. That's why it did not come to me as a surprise that he decided to major in electrical engeneering. He wanted to work for Boeing or a company like that. He wanted to join the Military, finish his education and begin a career at Boeing as an Avionics Systems Designer. Dershawn was very bright and he lived his life knowing that the sky is the limit to what he could be.
   

On Wednesday September 4th, 1991 at 6:24pm...after 12 hours of labor you came into this world so quietly with a very peaceful expression on your face. Weighing 6lbs. 12oz, 19inches long. It felt wonderful to finally hold you in my arms to see the amazing little person that grew inside my womb for 9 months tumbling, kicking, and stretching inside. Preparing for your time to bless the world with your presence. Dershawn was an awesome baby he didn't cry alot neither did he give me a hard time; you were an ideal baby and that lastest throughout your life. Very easy going peronality, never looking for trouble. He only wanted to bring you joy and to make you smile.