Dr Ian Paisley, accompanied by his wife Baroness Paisley and his successor Peter Robinson, met with party members during a visit last Thursday - a day before Mr Robinson assumed both the party leadership and the position of Northern Ireland's First Minister.
Dr Paisley dedicated a room in the party's Waterside offices in memory of Anna Margaret Hay, the first DUP deputy mayor of Londonderry.
"She was a great woman, the heart and soul of the party in the city," he said.
"She broke the wires that had refused anyone who was not an Official Unionist. She was a very unique woman, outspoken but gentle, dedicated to the cause and not afraid to work. And she expected you to work too."
Dr Paisley also paid tribute to party worker Will Hamilton when in the city.
He said much of his political success was attributable to the support of people like Mrs Hay and Mr Hamilton.
"It is the making of the party, people who have conviction and dedication. They were workers and believed what they said and carried out the promises they made.
"That is why we now have good representation at Westminster, Stormont and in councils
"It is all because of the good people on the ground," he said.
Dr Paisley stood down as party leader ands First Minister following a reception and dinner in Belfast on Friday night.
To view a picture gallery from Doctor paisley's visit click here