of Sherrill, AR

November 6, 1939 - May 6, 2023

On May 6, 2023 Gwendolyn Marie Gibbs Derden left her earthly life to enter heaven. She was born November 6, 1939 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She spent her early childhood in Lake Village and later moved with her family to Jefferson County where she attended Plum Bayou Schools. Strolling around Sherrill one evening with her friend, Bonnie Griffin, she met a young man who was working at the cotton gin. Sonny Derden bought the girls a Coca Cola which started a courtship that led to a loving, happy marriage that lasted 64 years. Sonny and Marie started their lives together in Pine Bluff until they built their home in Sherrill, where they would raise their children, Kevin and Kim. This would be "home" for the rest of her life. Marie spent many years as a faithful member of Coy Church of Christ and later the Hazel Street Church of Christ in Pine Bluff. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, family member and friend. She invested her life into her husband, children and home. After her children were grown, she enjoyed working with her friends at Carlene's Dress Shop. Always a "people magnet"-others were drawn to her beauty both inside and out. Marie loved holidays- especially Christmas and went to great lengths to cook delicious meals for family and friends. Sonny and Marie's home was always open for holidays and birthday celebrations. Everyone looked forward to her beautiful, delicious desserts and she made certain each one had their favorite birthday cake. Besides being a wonderful baker, she even won cooking contests for her fudge recipes. Marie loved being a grandmother and filled Mackenzie, Marley and Madison's childhood years with "hugs and kisses". In fact, this phrase ended almost every conversation that she had with the granddaughters. She enjoyed dressing them up and putting bows in their hair and having countless tea parties and silly sleepovers. She and Sonny rarely missed a soccer game, dance recital or school event. She made it a tradition to be with the girls on their first days of school until she saw them off to college. In addition to her dedication to her family, Marie also proudly served the community as a member and past officer of the Sherrill Civic Club. The women of the club became dear friends throughout the years. She was extremely proud of their cookbook fundraiser that helps provide Christmas lights during the holiday season. Marie is survived by her husband, Sonny Derden; daughter, Kimberly Derden Cole; granddaughters, Mackenzie Cole, Marley (Colby) Hoagland and Madison (Josh) Crook and sister, Bettye Hickerson McClanahan. She always considered her nephew, Mark Harrison and his family to be their children as well. Her kindness and warmth will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and dear friends. Preceding Marie in death are her son, Kevin Derden; parents, Grover and Eunice Gibbs; Dobie and Susie Derden; sisters, Ann Harrison, Caryl Adams and brother, Danny Gibbs. Memorials can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or Southern Christian Children's Home in Morrilton. Visitation for Marie will be at Roller Funeral Home in England, Arkansas on Tuesday, May 9th from 6:00-8:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at Mulberry Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-England Funeral Home
202 Stuttgart Highway
England, AR  72046
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com