Derrick Lynn Person, 63, of Newport departed this life on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. He was born July 24, 1958, to Leonard Person and Imogene Peters.
Person was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he was known for praising the Lord through song and music. He was a very crafty person and a great storyteller. He loved playing his keyboard and also loved the game of chess. Moose, as he was affectionately called by everyone in the community, graduated from Newport High School in 1976. He then graduated from Southern Baptist College, enlisted in the Army, and became a medic. After serving his country, Derrick also served his community by becoming an EMT and a firefighter. He later ventured into law enforcement, the Drug Taskforce, private investigating, and eventually the Chief of Police in Diaz. Throughout his life, Derrick had many accolades; he received a Meritorious Award from the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary for saving a child from a burning building, he was a Master Mason of the Prince Hall St. Mark Lodge #7, he was on the Arkansas Chiefs of Police Association, he was on the board of directors for the Iron Mountain Regional Arts Council and a dedicated church musician and director.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Minster Person.
He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Wiline Person; sons, Derrick Watkins of Newport, Darrion Watkins of Newport, Darius Harris (Eleana) of Conway; daughters, Kim Dixon-Bey of Newport, Patricia Watkins of Newport, Katina Jefferson (Lanell) of Little Rock, Stacey Green of Houston, Texas, Felicia Worsham of Newport, Brandy Caffey of Jonesboro; sister, Gail Walker of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Gail Brown (Marcus), Laquida Watkins, Charles Crite, Shondrell Watkins, Jay Crite, Janya Brown, Rashaun Rucker, Rayden Rucker, Rayah Watkins, Qualel Jefferson, L.J. Jefferson, Princess Jefferson, Quarn Childress; great-grandchildren, Cesear Harris, Jeremia Harris, Angel Harris, Dreshon Armstrong; great-great-grandchildren, Layla Crite, Kynlee Crite; Sister in laws, Robyn Watkins, Dorthy Robinson (Freddie); a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and a lifetime of friends.
Memorial service will be Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at 2:00 at Dillinger Funeral Home.
