Sally Derrick

Waynesville, Sally Marie Woodall Derrick, 81, of Balsam View Drive, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at The Homestead. Sally was born in Jackson County and was the daughter of the late Johnny William and Elsie Smathers Woodall. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Joy Woods, a half-sister, Louise Stiwinter; and Walter Newman Derrick, the father of her children. Sally began her career at Hemlock Nursing Home (now known as Autumn Care Nursing Home) where she started as a Nursing Assistant and was promoted to medication administrator and retired from the Dietary Department after 31 years. After her retirement, she returned to Autumn Care and volunteered in the Activity Department for a short time. She soon began working in the Foster Grandparent Program for Mountain Projects' Daycare. Sally was very gifted and talented utilizing her time sewing, cooking, canning, crafting, playing the piano and singing. She loved animals and God's creation of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains where she was born and raised. She taught her children a strong work ethic and encouraged them on their journey through life to love others. God showed us, through her, how to be strong as we go through transitions as she always faced adversity with a positive attitude. She brought joy and laughter to everyone and her time was most enjoyed being with her family. She was a member of Balsam Missionary Baptist Church. Sally is survived by her daughters, Pamela "Pam" Derrick of Waynesville and Angela "Angie" Derrick Toomey and her husband, Ralph, of the Bald Creek community; grandson, Steven Woods and his wife, Kara, and their sons, Justin Woods, and Seth and Logan Hardin; a nephew, Glenn Stiwinter, Jr. She dearly loved her first cousin, who she called sister, Velma Lowry; and Bob Smathers, who she loved like a brother. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October13, 2016 in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow at Balsam Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Balsam Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 280, Sylva, NC 28779.

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