Lorene E. Derrick

Lorene Everett Derrick, 93, formally of North Little Rock, AR and the last 14 years living in Grapevine, Texas, died Wednesday, September 25, 2024, born October 26, 1930 in Sparkman, Arkansas to Nemhy and Albert Everett. Lorene was previously a member of Lynch View Baptist Church, North Little Rock, AR, and more recently a member of Living Word Lutheran Church, Grapevine, TX. Lorene was a friend to all, a loving mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, as well as a retired office manager. Lorene graduated from Sparkman High School in 1948 and then attended Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. She worked for the director of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church until having her children. When her children were older, she worked as office manager with several trucking companies until retiring to care for her mother and then late husband. At the passing of her husband Dewey, she moved to Grapevine, Texas and lived down the street from her daughter’s family.

Lorene placed her faith and personal relationship with Jesus above all. Her love for others stemmed from her experiencing the love of Jesus. Lorene had a welcoming personality that brought people together. Lorene was known for having a sparkle in her eye and warmth to share with all. Those nearest to Lorene were able to experience her calming presence, quick humor, insightful wisdom, positive spirit, and her hope for the future. A love for gatherings centered around a table full of food were a specialty of Lorene’s. Up until her last year’s Lorene was known to pour her heart into the favorite dishes of those who frequented her table. 

Lorene was talented in many areas, any hobby with a needle was a specialty of hers. She passed along her expertise of sewing, quilting, and crocheting to those around her. During the last 14 years of her life, she was very involved with quilts for missions. These quilts are sent around the world for missionaries to give to those they minister to. Hundreds of quilts have passed through her hands during this time. As an example that we never stop growing in our knowledge of God’s word, Lorene faithfully attended Bible Study Fellowship (www.bsfinternational.org) during the last 14 years of her life. She was blessed by the many women who touched her life in this group as they were also blessed by her.

Slowing down to enjoy the small things in life was such a gift to all those lucky enough to know Lorene. Gifted hands did not end with needle based activities, Lorene was a talented gardener, all plants thrived under her care. She was known to separate root balls to be shared with friends and neighbors, propagate clippings swapped from loved ones, and drive the bulbs of family heirloom blooms across state lines to be enjoyed down the family tree. In Arkansas, Lorene was known for sharing the many heirloom tomatoes she grew with those around her, as well as cooking up delicious fig preserves from her own fig tree, which were a favorite of her granddaughters. What a blessing to truly revel in God’s creation and the beautiful surroundings he gave us. Lorene appreciated these gifts to the fullest. 

As a mother, Lorene took pride in raising two daughters – Mary Alice and Melinda. Additionally, she was a faithful Nana to her granddaughters – Morgan and Madison, who always share that she was more of a best friend and Nana rolled into one than just a grandparent to them. Lorene’s dedication to her family extended to her mother and father, who she fearlessly cared for during their final days, and her husband William Dewey Derrick, who proceeded her in passing in 2010. Lorene will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Mary Alice Martin and husband, Louis of Lakeland, FL, Melinda Ann Mitford and husband, Mark of Grapevine, Texas; two granddaughters, Morgan Mitford and Madison Mitford Pemble both of Dallas, TX.

Visitation will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Smith Funeral Kome in North Little Rock with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, Arch Street Pike in Little Rock directly following the funeral service.

There will also be a memorial service in Grapevine, Texas on Monday, October 7 at 3:00 pm at Living Word Lutheran Church, Grapevine.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please make a donation to either Union Rescue Mission in Little Rock, AR at https://urmissionlr.org/ or to Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth, TX at https://www.ugm-tc.org/

 Link for full funeral service on YouTube with family slideshow at end:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuUvjiUrJoo&t=10s

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.