Illa Fern Strickland began her life's journey, April 23, 1940 at the little community known as "Swamp Poodle" near Brinkley. A daughter of the late Robie Strickland and Alma Carlock Strickland, Fern spent her youth playing and doing chores with her two siblings, Jack and Leatrice. She was a 1958 graduate of Brinkley High School and a member of the Full Gospel Church that her family attended.

On October 9, 1976 Fern was married to James "Red" Derrick. Over the years she worked for South Western Bell Phone Co. and at Van Heusen Shirt Factory. For the past 20 years she and Red have owned and operated the Corner Grocery Store in Brinkley. At the back of the store you would find Fern busy preparing a blue plate special for the day, cooking juicy hamburgers or special order cold cut sandwiches.  It is also a great place for the locals to gather and catch up on the latest happenings in the community. If you had a problem, something worrying you or just needed a comforting word, Fern would be there for you.

A lady who enjoyed the outdoors, Fern liked to go fishing, work in her garden, grow beautiful flowers and care for her animals. She dearly loved her family and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by them.

A God fearing, God loving lady Fern was a faithful and dedicated member of the River of Life Church, who spent many hours reading her Bible.

Early Saturday morning, October 22, 2022, at her home in Brinkley, the angels came to take Fern home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Jack Strickland

Her husband of 46 years, Red Derrick

Son: Stacy Lynn Eary of Paragould

Daughters: Nena Michaelis of Colt

Robin Baxter and husband Jason of Brinkley

Grandchildren:

Katy (Robert)Jones, Robert (Natalie) Michaelis

Tabitha (Zakk) Jumper, Emma Eary,

Dillon Nash, Haley (Cody) Hambrick

9 Great Grandchildren

Sister  Leatrice Traylor of Moro

and a host of extended family, church family and friends

Funeral services will be at Monday, October 24 at the River of Life Church at 1:00 pm

The family will gather at the church from 11 until 1 to visit with family and friends. Burial at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery will follow the services.