Donna Bee Connelly Derryberry, 100, of Dallas and previously of McKinney and Trenton, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013.
A middle child with seven sisters and four brothers, she was born in Trenton on August 5, 1912, to James Benjamin Connelly and Rita Elizabeth Littrell Connelly. She graduated from high school in Trenton as valedictorian, and attended East Texas State in Commerce and The University of Texas.
She taught third grade in Trenton and Gainesville for eight years, and in 1938 she married Dr. James Perry Derryberry. They moved to McKinney, where Dr. Derryberry established a veterinary practice and they lived for forty-five years.
Nine years after her husband's death in 1984, Mrs. Derryberry moved to The Forum in Dallas, where she was vice-president of the Forum Council for two years and served as its president for two years. She also volunteered at Social Hour, bingo, and as a welcomer of those new to the residence. She was also preceded in death by four brothers and seven sisters.
At the time of her death, she was The Forum's oldest resident, and held the distinction of calling The Forum "home" for more years than any other current resident.
Mrs. Derryberry loved to travel and saw both Alaska and Hawaii with her husband. She also made numerous trips to Alabama, California, Connecticut and Florida to visit her son Jim and his wife Pat.
She was an excellent cook, and also created beautiful needlepoint, knitted and crocheted pieces. At The Forum she enjoyed games of "Rummikub," dominoes and bridge with friends.
She is survived by her son Jim H. Derryberry of Osprey, Florida; grandson James Dennis Derryberry of Waitsfield, Vermont; great-granddaughters Lila and Claudia Derryberry of Waitsfield, Vermont; and many nieces and nephews.
A service in her memory will be held on Monday, March 11, at 2 p.m. at Turrentine- Jackson- Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas (Exit 38, Ridgeview Drive) with Dr. Neill Grimes officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, Allen, Texas. Visiting hours will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.