Rachel J. Derby - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Rachel J. Derby

Born December 17, 1928

Rachel J. Derby, age 88, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2017.

Born in Lansford, PA, on December 17, 1928, Rachel was the daughter of the late Clarence R. and Anna (Kleckner) Jeffreys. A graduate of West Chester State Teachers College, Rachel made her career as a teacher with the Colonial School District and worked primarily at Wilmington Manor Elementary until her retirement in 1989, after 30 years of dedicated service. After retirement, Rachel worked for a number of years at Bridgewater Jewelers where her love of jewelry helped many find that special something for the ones they loved.

A woman of strong faith, she was a longtime member of Asbury United Methodist Church in New Castle. Rachel was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the Tuesday Ladies Bridge Club. In her leisure time, she enjoyed attending shows at The Playhouse Theatre, reading, dining out and spending time with family and friends. Rachel was truly a people person and will be lovingly remembered for her happy, outgoing and light-hearted personality.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Dubby) Derby, Jr. Rachel is survived by her three sons, Robert Derby III (Gloria) of Ellicott City, MD, Jeffrey D. Derby (fiancée, Julie) of Newark, and Brad L. Derby (Barbara) of Bear; and four grandchildren, Robert Kyle Derby (Lisa), Lauren Anna Derby, Hanna Lee Derby and Emily Rachel Derby.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening, May 31, 2017 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 7:00 pm. A committal service and interment will be held in the Sky-View Memorial Park, 108 Lafayette Avenue, Tamaqua, PA, at 11:00 am on Thursday morning, June 1, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rachel’s memory may be sent to the Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 West Basin Rd, New Castle, DE 19720.

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10 Condolences for Rachel J. Derby

  • Thoughts and prayers on the passing of Mrs. Derby.

  • Brad, RD, Jeff and Family,

    I am certainly going to miss the trips Dad and I took to visit Cousin Rachel in DE. We always enjoyed her stories, humor, laugh and taking her our for lunch. My Dad and Rachel loved reminiscing on our visits and those special memories will always stay close to my heart.

    God bless you all during this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories and know that she will always be shining down on you!

    Love, Steve, JoEllen and Ryan Rooney

  • Jeff,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you, on the passing of your mother.
    Chris

  • Mrs. Derby was my 3rd grade teacher in 1975. Although 42 years ago, I remember her kindness fondly…she was a wonderful teacher and person.

  • To the entire Derby family, we were so saddened to learn of Rachel’s passing. What a wonderful friend to our family over the years!!!! She was an inspirational elementary school teacher, a great friend to us and to our parents, dedicated to Asbury, and just a wonderful supportive friend. We wish we could be there with you to celebrate her life and to share a story or two, but we cannot attend. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes to you all.

    Rich and Dottie Farmer

  • To “The Boys” and your families,

    So very sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a very special person and I loved whenever you guys could spend a week with us at the lake. I wish Colorado wasn’t as far away as it is.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Bronwyn and Jon

  • On behalf of the entire Woodruff family–Dorothea Woodruff Campbell, Sandra Woodruff DiStefano, Wayne Woodruff and myself, we send our thoughts and prayers to Rachel’s sons and their families. Our mother attended college with Rachel, and the three of us remember her fondly for her great sense of humor, fantastic laugh, and “no frills” commentary on life! We will always remember her fondly.

    Susan Woodruff Race

  • I extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family in the loss of your dear loved one. It is hoped that cherished memories will be comforting to you. May you find continuing strength, peace and comfort fom God ( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

  • I am very saddened to hear of Mrs. Derby’s passing. As my neighbor growing up and a friend of my family I have so many fond memories of her. She was always very nice to me. She was a wonderful lady and an excellent teacher. My mother taught with her for years at Wilmington Manor School. Although we drifted apart years ago, I have always held her in a special place in my heart. The world is a worse off place without her.

    Good bye Mrs. Derby I love you!!

  • To the Derby Family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Derby. I have so many memories of your family and ours together. Whether it was from Wilmington Manor Elementary, Asbury Methodist Church or around the neighborhood. She was a good friend to my parents and to all of the Farmer family as well. May all of your good memories and the good wishes from friends help you through this difficult time.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Keith and Vicki Farmer