Barbara D Derry

August 9, 1928 – November 13, 2023

Barbara was born in Nauvoo, Alabama to Clifford and Valentine Smith in a little wooden farm house on her grandparent’s property. Barbara was raised in Alabama, she enjoyed spending time with her cousins and normal kid stuff.

After Barbara graduated from High School she went to business school in Nashville. When she finished business school she decided to join the Air Force to see the World. While in the Air Force she met George D. Derry who was also a member of the armed forces. During a hot dog lunch with George they realized they were in love and decided to get married. George and Barbara were married in November of 1951.

Barbara didn’t get to spend much time in the Air Force as they shortly found she was pregnant. So just 9 shorts months later the 1st of 4 children was born.

Shelia Gay was born in August 1952 then 2 years later in November 1954, George Daniel Derry Jr. was born. Then 4 years later in October, 1958 came James Derry. In February, 1966, Valerie Sue was born to round out the family of 6.

George and Barbara settled in Melbourne Florida when George retired from the Air Force in 1966. Where she made many lifelong friends. Barbara never met a person she didn’t like or become friends with, even in the grocery store line.

Barbara was a Homemaker who loved to sew, cook, craft and take care of the family. In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling. Still managed to find time for Girl Scouts, baseball and all the activities the children were involved in. She was an excellent primary caregiver of her son Danny who he had Muscular Dystrophy.

Barbara was an active member of the Emmanuel Methodist Church, Woman’s Veterans Group and Red Hat Society.

In later years, she enjoyed spending time with her family, and taking trips. Barbara was part of the Honor Flight for Veterans which honors and celebrate them for their military service with a trip to Washington DC.

She was adored by family, friends and neighbors.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Sheila Gay Ahart(Don), her son James R Derry(Dreama) and daughter Valerie Lamberth. Six Granddaughters, Michelle Hinman, Danielle Ahart, Tiffany Snyder(Brian), Stephanie Shumate, Nicci Cooper(Brandon), Alida Hilger(Chris) and Step grandson Gary Wombles. Along with 10 Great Grandchildren,3 Step grandchildren and one step great- great granddaughter.

Please make a donation to your favorite charity in her name. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, brother, her husband George, and son Daniel “Danny” Derry.

A Celebration of Life will be held evening of December 29th. In Lieu of flowers