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.
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13 Condolence(s)
Cissy Henderson
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Dear Kim and Sonny:
We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort.
Love you Billy and Cissy
Phyllis Anderson Bardwell
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Sonny and family, so sorry for your feeling of loss. I’ve been gone from the Sherrill area for many years, but my parents, Harold and Anna Mae Anderson, loved you both and spoke of your family with such affection. Praying for God’s wonderful peace that passes human understanding.
Phyllis Anderson Bardwell
Donna Clem Rector
Friday, May 12, 2023
I'm so very sorry to read of Marie's passing..I knew the Gibbs family from years ago when we lived in Altheimer..we moved from Pine Bluff about 26 years ago but when I was in Pine Bluff I loved shopping at Carlene's Casuals where I would see Marie...she was always in a cheerful mood and greeted me with a warm smile..she was a beautiful person not only physically but inside as well...
Charles Lovelace
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The staff and children of Southern Christian Home offer their deepest condolences for the loss of Marie. She and Sonny were supporters of our work for many years. She leaves a large void in the lives of many that will be difficult to fill. Our prayers are for the comfort of her family at this time of loss.
Diana Julian
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Kim, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your Mother. I pray you will find comfort in her beautiful life.
(Jagger was telling about this at dinner tonight and then I saw it online )
Guard your precious memories.
Sincerely,
Diana Julian
Cheryl Hughes Barnes
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
She was such a great friend. Me & my Mom loved her. Mom knew her well because she grew up with Marie. She will be FOREVER missed & ALWAYS in our hearts. R.I.P. MARIE! ðŸ™â¤
Julie Adami
Monday, May 8, 2023
Kim, what a beautiful tribute to your mother! Keeping you and your family in my thought & prayers. Love you!
Debbie and Gary Gatlin
Monday, May 8, 2023
Oh ... our sweet Mrs Marie as how we are going to miss you here on earth. Our heart sadden but know you are rejoicing in heaven. Prayers for family now and in coming days ahead.
Linda Williams Watts
Monday, May 8, 2023
Sympathy, prayers and hugs to the family. May God give you strength.
Sandy Blackwell Anderson
Sunday, May 7, 2023
My Thoughts and Prayers are with the family during this sad but joyful time. I always loved talking with Ms Marie especially during our Civic meetings and getting my hugs. She would always smile so big when I would speak …especially out of turn. She will be missed here on earth by so many while rejoicing in heaven.
Patricia Carter- Lewis
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Mrs. Derden was A Beautiful Lady, which made it Easy to take a Wonderful Driver's License Picture. We also Enjoyed her Delicious Desserts at the England Revenue Office. Prayers for Her Family & Devoted Husband who talked about her all the time.
Michelle Coleman Moreau
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Mr. Sonny, I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Marie passing. She was such a kind and gracious lady. Many wonderful memories from Coy. Will be praying for you and your family.
Rhonda bost Gustek
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Sonny , and family may God give comfort in your time of loss.