Willa Mae Derrer

After an extended illness, Willa Mae Wright Derrer, (1922-2012) passed away peacefully with her family at her side in Plantation, Florida, on Friday, February 3, 2012. Arriving in Miami from Memphis, Tennessee, with her parents in 1924, she enjoyed a long and happy Christian life in south Florida. Most of her life after graduation from Edison High School was spent in North Miami raising her three children, B. Dianne Derrer Aucamp (widow), Thomas C. Derrer, Jr. (Barbara), and W. Richard (Rick) Derrer (Patricia). She and her husband of 52 years, Thomas C. Derrer, Sr., shared a devotion to their three children followed by lovingly spoiling her seven grandchildren--James Aucamp, Jr. (Marie), David Derrer (Joy), Mindy Aucamp Cunningham (Mike), Bonnie Derrer Shaw (Walt), Jacqueline Derrer O'Donnell (Edward), Kristi Derrer Cole (Randy), and Chip Derrer (Wendy). She is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren and her brother Fredrick V. Wright (Lynn), in Port Orange, Florida.

The Derrer's lived in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, for approximately 15 years where Thomas passed away in 1993. She returned to south Florida where she resided at Covenant Village of Florida for ten years. Aside from raising her children and supporting their activities, she was very involved with St. Paul's Methodist Church as a 1947 founding member.

During their retirement years Willa Mae and Tommy were fortunate to have taken many trips throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East which brought them much joy. Traveling to different places, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures was exciting for them.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, February 6, from noon to 2:00 p.m., followed by a 2:00 p.m. chapel service at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, Davie. Burial will take place at Southern Memorial Park in North Miami. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vitas Foundation (Hospice), 5420 N. W. 33 Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.