It is bittersweet to tell you that Derrilynn Scarlett, 61, married to Peter “Pedro” Hatfield, and currently living in Benton, Kentucky passed away in her sleep during the night of October 17, 2019 following an extended illness.
Derri came into this world February 6th, 1958 as the third child of Bob and Joy Scarlett in Oakland, Ca. She often said she always thought that’s why she had such a pioneering spirit.
Derri excelled in all facets of learning during her entire lifetime. She collected a B.A. in three simultaneous studies from Stockton University: Women’s History, English Literature, and Writing. It seemed natural that she then became a lifelong teacher, writer and had a long successful career as a newspaper editor. In fact, her eldest sister was known as the family “Ms. Manners;” it was Derri who was infamous as the grammar police to all who knew her!
Derri’s career and free spirit took her “comedy routine” around the globe. Working and teaching and always writing in several U.S. cities as well as parts of Europe and Asia. She whizzed up and down the eastern seaboard and across half of Europe in her unforgettable red convertible LeBaron (yes, she had it shipped overseas while she was stationed in Germany.)
She cherished and knew every word to every “oldies” tune while she bopped her way along singing at the top of her voice….and spreading her special kind of wisdom and glee. In addition to her love of travel, reading and writing, Derri enjoyed creating textiles arts, culinary feasts of all kinds, and conjuring up advice as swiftly as Dear Abby.
We take great comfort in our memories of all the adventures she shared with us all. Derri’s absence will be most felt in the laughter she imparted into every situation. Always chuckling and often self-deprecating, Derri always had a way of putting others at ease. She may also be remembered for her compassion for all living beings and her dedication to the service of others. She inspired deep and provocative thinking with her wit, her world views, her vegetarian lifestyle, and her simple acts of kindness and through tireless work with charity groups along her travels.
Derri wished not to bring her loved ones to any somber funeral services; as you know, she was not only non-traditional, but absolutely rebellious in her living out loud.
Although, she was the official obituary writer for so many over the years, I can’t believe she didn’t write her own! This one will have to be good enough, sis…
The family has followed her request for a simple cremation and that her surviving family and friends party in honor of her extraordinary life! And we must smile…always when we think of her playing pinochle, cooking up magic in the kitchen, dancing the night away at Sha-Booms, and correcting St. Peter’s grammatical mistakes.
She loved to travel, spend time with her grandkids, and enjoyed taking care of all of her pets. She also enjoyed Knitting and crocheting but her biggest passion was writing. She worked as a Journalist for the Bismarck Tribune, as well as, the European Stars and Stripes. Besides writing, she also loved being able to help, and give back to people who were in a time of need. While living in Bismarck, ND she volunteered her time and services working with a charitable organization called With Love which helped with homeless and families and children in need.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Ashley Thomas.
She is survived by her husband, Peter Hatfield of Benton, KY; two daughters, Sara Hatfield of Grayslake, IL and Elizabeth Avila of Chicago, IL; one son, Benjamin Hatfield of Maryland; one brother, Don Scarlett; one sister, Diane Scarlett; two granddaughters, Ellen Cassel and Olivia Suris; and two grandsons, Lionel Avila and Elijah Avila.
Arrangements are being handled by Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr.