Marlene Derrick

Marlene Derrick, age 72 passed away at Life Care Center of Ooltewah on March 19, 2026 after battling liver cancer. She was born January 31, 1954 in Cleveland, Tennessee to her loving parents Willie and Edith Lyles Ensley Poe. Marlene attended Bradley Central High School and also Cleveland State Community College.

Marlene loved to love people. Her hands were rarely still as she was always doing crafts, jigsaw puzzles and puzzle books in her free time. She was an avid reader and would always read the entire Bible every year. She also shared her love of food with her children and grandchildren. Whether it was spaghetti, fried chicken, or potato salad. Marlene always looked forward to cooking for the ones she loved.

For many years, Marlene worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a local hospital and home health agency. She was driven by a passion to help others and believed the world could always use one more kind-hearted person. Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verse, Matthew 7:12 ("So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you"). She also touched the lives of a countless boys and girls in Sabbath School and Pathfinders.

Marlene is survived by her husband Ron, her son, daughter and their families; Joe (Jamie) Derrick, Elisabeth (Don), Dodson as well as 5 grandchildren Kimiko Lunsford, Heaven Derrick, Brianna Dodson and Matthew Dodson, Roland Derrick and 3 great grandchild children Jackson, Raelo and Akshun.

Her siblings: Joan, Chris, Randy (deceased), Tammy, Bridgetti, Jamie, Lisa and Alan. Also numerous nieces, nephews, greats and great-greats.

All of those she loved and touched deeply. Please join us celebrating her life Saturday afternoon April 18, 2026. Visitation is from 1:00pm - 3pm with service immediately following at Collegedale Community Church, 9305 Four Corners Place Collegedale, TN.

In Lieu of flowers, make donations to the American Cancer Society.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Marlene or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.