April 4, 2023, 98, Goldsboro –

Hope Derby died on Tuesday in Goldsboro, NC at the age of 98, completing an extraordinary life with many cherished friends and a loving family. Hope was born in Tryon, NC, the daughter of the late Col. Bill and Ellen Hope Schilletter, who instilled in Hope the values of service, hospitality, kindness, and faith.

Hope was predeceased by her husband, William Jay (Jake) Derby in 2002. She was also predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Shirley Schilletter; and her daughter-in-law, Anna Potter Derby.

She is survived by her children: Jay Derby (Rit) of Raleigh, Ellen Derby Best (Jack), and Susan Derby Stackhouse (Wilson) both of Goldsboro.

Known as “Nana,” Hope was in constant contact with her 8 grandchildren: Hope Derby Carmichael (Randy) of Raleigh, Jay Derby (Susan) of Arkadelphia, AR, Mary Hope Best Crocker (Blain) of Goldsboro, Munroe Best (Angie) of Goldsboro, Eleanor Scott Best Davis (Hill) of Raleigh, Elizabeth Stackhouse Saunders (John) of Richmond, VA; Katherine Stackhouse Parker (John) of Goldsboro, and Susan Stackhouse Lutcavage (Marc) of Raleigh.

Hope leaves a legacy of 17 great-grandchildren:

Emma Hope and Anna Ross Carmichael, Caroline and Anna Derby, Jake, and Hinton Crocker, Mary Scott and Hannah Best, Avery, Julia, and Derby Davis, Eliza Grace and John Saunders, Matilda and John Parker, and Louise and Charlie Lutcavage.

She was beloved “Aunt Hope” to a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Hope and Jake had a wonderful childhood in the small mountain town of Tryon. Hope attended Women’s College (UNC-G) where she made friends from Goldsboro. It was these friends that led the couple to their future home.

Hope and Jake moved to Goldsboro in 1949 after spending two years in Victory Village in Chapel Hill where Jake completed his education after WWII. Jake and Hope were members extraordinaire of the Greatest Generation.

They enjoyed adventurous sailing, extensive travel, pep rallies, and tailgates at UNC. Their enthusiasm was especially popular with the young people whom they always included.

Hope was a role model and had a positive lasting influence as a Girl Scout leader. Her scouts and her children achieved the highest ranks.

Hope was a cradle Presbyterian and a faithful member of First Presbyterian. She was well-known for her caring notes, visits, and prayers for her church family. She inspired others with her energy, compassion, and generosity. FPC recognized Hope’s service with the Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership, the New Hope Presbytery Outstanding Older Adult Award, and the distinction of Elder Emeritus.

The family would like to recognize with gratitude Hope’s caregiver family: Teen Isler, Brenda Mills, Evelyn Millard, Nikki Chestnut, Gwen Jacobs, Lois Hobson, and Home, Health, and Hospice. They cared for her lovingly and greatly enhanced her quality of life.

The memorial service celebrating Hope’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro with the Rev. Dr. Noé Juarez officiating. A reception and time of visitation will follow the service in the activity center at First Presbyterian Church. The private interment will be held in Willow Dale Cemetery prior to her service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.