Phyllis H. Derby

Phyllis H. Derby, 88, of Clay, passed away on June 5, 2023, at The Nottingham in Jamesville. She was born on November 11, 1934, in Altavista, Virginia, to the late Raleigh and Pearl (Atkins) Hedrick. Phyllis grew up with nine siblings and learned the values of hard work and dedication. She graduated from Greta High School where she played basketball. After high school, she attended college in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Throughout her life, Phyllis embarked on several roles but remained steadfast in each one of them. She worked as an administrative assistant at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, then as a parish secretary for Strasburg Christian Church in Virginia. Despite these demanding professional roles, Phyllis upheld her commitment to her faith, her family and her friends. She was longtime member of Malden Road United Church of Christ in Mattydale, where she supported her husband’s ministry.

Phyllis was predeceased by all nine of her siblings and her beloved husband of 59 years, the Reverend David C. Derby, in 2014. However, she leaves behind cherished memories that will continue to live on through her son and daughter-in-law, David and Young Hee Derby of Windsor Locks, CT., along with several nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Phyllis's memory may be made to Malden Road United Church of Christ, 108 Malden Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211 (www.ucc.org/church/malden-road-ucc/), The Center for Racial Justice, 52 Burgett Dr., Homer, NY 13077 (thecenter4racialjustice.org) or to Food Bank of CNY, 7066 Interstate Island Rd, Syracuse, NY 13209 (www.foodbankcny.org).