Derek Lee McPherson Shempert

Derek Lee McPherson Shempert, 35, of Paragould, Arkansas passed away on October 20, 2025 at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born on September 4, 1990 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Scott Shempert and Sandra McPherson. Derek was a member of John 3:16 Ministries. He was a member of the Southside Community Church in Paragould, Arkansas. He enjoyed ministering and encouraging others. He loved telling jokes, fishing, watching Atlanta Falcons football with his dad, playing guitar, making rhymes, doing yardwork, spending time with his family but most especially his daughter. Survivors include; father: Scotty Shempert (Michelle Shempert) of Paragould, Arkansas; mother: Sandra McPherson of Tyronza, Arkansas; one daughter: Kristina Ray Rose McPherson Braun of Lake City, Arkansas; two sisters: Ashley McPherson of Paragould, Arkansas and Heather McPherson of Tyronza, Arkansas; maternal grandmother: Brenda McPherson of Tyronza, Arkansas; and a host of other family and friends. He is preceded in death by; paternal grandparents: Bobby and Ruby Shempert. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Walker, Chris Ballard, Jared Despain, Trevor Heckman, Mike Ward and Ryan Glover. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Pine log Cemetery in Brookland, Arkansas with Pastor Charles Stoddard officiating. The family will receive visitors at Southside Community Church in Paragould, Arkansas from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. with graveside services to follow.