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Stephen McPherson Obituary
Derick was a native of Alamance County and the husband of the late Janet Mills McPherson.
He was owner of Derick McPherson Septic Cleaning Service and a member of Bellemont United Methodist Church.
He was a loving and dedicated father. He grew up working with his father in the septic tank business since he was 6 years old. He will be missed dearly by family and friends.
Derick is survived by his daughter, Amber Renee McPherson, of the home; his parents, Steve and Paulette McPherson, of Burlington; and his brother, H. Dean McPherson, also of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Homer and Frances McPherson and Fred and Vivian Coble.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Bellemont United Methodist Church.
Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Jerry Jackson, the Rev. Steve Loy and the Rev. William Wolfe. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Rich and Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington, Tuesday evening, from 5 until 8. Other times they will be at the residence of the parents, Steve and Paulette McPherson, 1409 Pebblestone Trail, Burlington, N.C. 27215.
Memorials may be made to Bellemont United Methodist Church, 4039 Markwood Dr., Burlington, N.C. 27215 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
The guest book may be signed at www.richandthompson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen McPherson
Angie Breashears
January 8, 2010
Just wanted you all to know that you're in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord comfort you as only He can. I pray for the sake of their precious daughter that both sides of her family will work together as she will need the love & support of all her relatives for the rest of her life. Romans 8:28.
Amy
December 20, 2009
Derick,
I still can't believe that your gone. Words can't express the hole that I have in my heart. Your friendship meant the world to me. From high school to the times that we chilled together after graduating. Things are not going to be the same without you here. I will also miss seeing the Septic tank truck with the backhoe being pulled behind it. Everyone knew it was you when they saw it. Merry Christmas Derick!
Amy Joyner Buchanan
December 18, 2009
I last saw Derick at our 10th high school reunion, and he left such a lasting impression on me that night. So kind, so friendly, so genuine, so proud of his business accomplishments and so excited about the child that he and Jan would soon welcome into their lives. I left the reunion that night sorry that I hadn't known Derick better in high school, for he truly was one of the good guys. We all share your loss and remember Derick for the kind, loving man that he was.
SHS c/o '91
Barbara Coble
December 18, 2009
Uncle Steve, Aunt Lolly, and Dean: Wow, what a difficult way to communicate with you, but I want you all to know how much we love you and how much we love Derick. All the memories I have of playing with Dean and Derick when we were little and the silly things Derick used to say, like "bite by binger"! He will live on forever in our hearts, memories, and in precious Amber. Happy Birthday, Uncle Steve. Love, Barbara
MARYION AND RUSTY ISLEY
December 18, 2009
DEAR STEVE,PAULETTE,AMBER AND DEAN:
MY GODS PEACE AND LOVE FILL YOUR HEARTS IN THIS TIME OF SADNESS.MY YOU LEAN ON HIM FOR HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN HEAL ALL OF YOUR BROKEN HEARTS.
Monica Thornton Moon
December 17, 2009
Paulette, Steve, Dean and Little Amber,
My prayers go out to each of you during this sad time. I knew Derick since middle school and graduated high school with him. He always had a smile and always cared about people. I am truly saddened by this tragedy. May God bless each of you and hold you close to him in the days to come.
Love to all. SHS c/o 91
Christi Langley Robson
December 17, 2009
McPherson Family,
My heart goes out to each of you. I went to school with Derick. May God bless you in the days and weeks to come. My heart aches for Amber, so keep her wrapped in Gods Love we will continue to pray for her and your family through this tragic time. Continue to trust in God and he will show you the way. God Bless each of you.
December 17, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. McPherson
Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Derick was a kind and hardworking individual who was always willing to help. He will be missed by many. We pray God will hold you close as you take one day at a time. Blessings to you and all your family.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Pattie Farrington & family
Haw River, NC
Tammy Johnson Troxler
December 16, 2009
Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you through the loss of Derick. I've known him for many years & have known no other than a truly kind person that has been quick to help my family when in need. The Derick that I've known for so many yrs. will be missed & always remembered. May God help you & comfort you.
Heather Jones Rush
December 16, 2009
I will always remember Derick as a sweet guy with a kind smile, I was glad to have called him my friend. He will be missed. You are all in my prayers, may God bless each and every one of you.
Billy, Tina & Tyler Coble
December 16, 2009
Steve,Paulette, Dean & Amber,
I would like to say how sorry we are to hear about Derick. We will be praying for you and your family during this time. May you find peace in the arms of God. Please know that we are praying for you and I know God will bring you thru this in His time. I pray that you can feel the prayers going up for you! We love yall !!!!
Robin Ayers Kime
December 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. I graduated with Derick and I have seen him only a few times since graduation, but he was always sure to have a picture of Amber to show me. I know he was a very proud and loving father. May God bless you and keep you always. SHS c/o 91.
SHS Class of '91
December 16, 2009
Steve,Paulette,Dean and Amber McPherson my prayers go out to you and your family. I've know Derick for many years and, Southern Alamance High School class of 1991 as well as the community Lost another classmate and friend way to early. Derick was always a very given guy. He spoke to everyone and, didn't think he was any better than anyone else. He's now at peace and in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will miss Derick so much but, we know we will see him again one day.
chris bradshaw
December 16, 2009
ive known the mcpherson family for a good amount of years , and im so sorry for what has happened , they are in my prayers .
chris , douglas , timothy , bradshaw god bless your family
Arthur Moody
December 15, 2009
To Amber and the McPherson family, I did not know you all personally but remember Dean in school. Steve, I met you many years ago during my childhood while growing up on Hwy. 49. Lastly, I knew Amber's father also.
You all know that I don't have the words to say to make much difference, but nonetheless am thinking of the family and wishing you all compassion now and in the time ahead.
'81 class of SHS
Lisa Slusher
December 15, 2009
Please know that you all are in my families thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time in your lives. Derick was a pleasure to know and will be missed by many. Many the LORD wrap you in HIS arms and comfort each one of you as only HE can.
Susan Schronce
December 15, 2009
The McPherson Family;
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I have known Derick since I was a young girl and to hear this terrible news just broke my heart. There will never be enough words that can take away your pain, but you can find peace through GOD. Turn to him in the days, months and years to come. You have a beautiful grand-daughter that can also bring you happiness. May GOD continue to be with you and your family. God Bless.
December 15, 2009
Derick has done work for my family several times and he was always very kind, even offering to come out on a Sunday of needed. I am deeply saddened by this tragic event. I have prayed every day since this happened for the pain to be lessened, for the sorrow to be eased and the healing to begin.
Brenda Sawyer
December 15, 2009
May God bless you and your family in your time of grief...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially Amber.
December 15, 2009
Steve and Paulette--words seem so empty at a time like this, but
God will guide you and the multitude of friends and prayers.
Shirley, John and Linda (Gilbert) Waldron
Brian Phillips
December 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Buddy and Marie Kimel
December 15, 2009
To Derick's family, especially Amber.
We met Derick and Jan and Amber at Myrtle Beach Travel Park where they bought a place a couple years ago. Amber was joy to talk to. Our sympathy and love go out to her all the family.
December 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nick Garner
December 15, 2009
My heart, Thoughts, and prayers go out to the McPherson family and to little Amber
December 15, 2009
Steve and Paulette, you two are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm sorry for what happened. My heart truly goes out to you. I only knew Derick in passing, but he was always smiling. I know you will miss him. I hope you find comfort in Amber and I know you will do anything for her. I'm so saddened to know you're hurting, and how I wish I had the words that would lessen it for you. Both of you please never lose sight that you are loved, and when you need an ear, a shoulder, anything, just ask. There are hundreds of people that will have you in their hearts.
Lisa Truitt McCracken
December 15, 2009
Steve and Paulette, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Derick was always such a good friend and Always so thoughtful and considerate of other people. Please know if there is ANYTHING we can do we'll ALWAYS be here. LOVE AND CONDOLENCES.
Lillie Patterson
December 15, 2009
Steve and Paulette and Amber
May God hold in his loving arms at this diffuclt time. Only he has the answers to why. I remember Derick when he and Tommy (my son) were in school,he as always such a happy person. You are in our prayers as well as the Mills family. God Bless you all.
Rickey, Cheryl, Josh & Chaisty Durham
December 15, 2009
Steve,Paulette,Dean,Sweet Little Amber
We are so sorry for your loss. Derick will be greatly missed by friends, family, community and the business world. Derick will always be remembered. May God hold you in his loving arms and comfort you all in your time of sorrow and in the days ahead. Our thoughts, our love and our prayers are with you. Rickey,Cheryl,Josh & Chasity Durham
Kimberly Crawford DeMauro
December 15, 2009
Derick and I graduated from SHS '91 together. I will always remember him as a sweet and kind man. I regret that it takes such a tragedy to bring back those memories. May God comfort your family during this difficult time of loss.
BP
December 15, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ron and Nancy Ballard
December 15, 2009
Sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time.sincerely
Brenda Aydt
December 15, 2009
Steve & Paulette: I have no words to express my sorry for your loss. I love you both and I'm praying for you through this difficult time. All my memories of Derick are good ones. Love, Brenda Aydt
Troy and Tina Steele Cates
December 15, 2009
Dean and Family,
I know Dean and Brad both and my heart just aches for them both. They have both lost something very precious. Things can not sometimes be explained as to why...only God can answer that one day. May God be with you and help soothe you in this time of sorrow. Just remember to hold your family and friends close and keep Derick's memory alive.
We love you Dean.
A Friend
December 15, 2009
Words can't describe the sorrow I have in my heart knowing that Derick is no longer with us. He was always a caring and honest friend, a loving father, and there for anyone who needed him. To Amber and the McPherson's my prayers go out to you and, your family. This still hasn't sunk in that he's no longer with us and, is in Heaven now. The family and I will miss him dearly.
Melissa Robbins
December 15, 2009
May God give you the grace and peace to get through this difficult time of loss. Derick was a very nice man and he will be greatly missed by many. I pray that both families can come together for the sake of Amber as she will need all of you for support forever. God Bless you all.
Patricia Friddle-Shoffner
December 14, 2009
Steve and family, my heart truly aches for you and your family. Derick was a good man. I know Amber will get all the love, support, and comfort she will need. This is going to be so hard on her, I just hope the lord will wrap his loving arms around you and her during this most difficult time and give you the peace you deserve.
Sidney Taylor
December 14, 2009
May God reach down his loving arms and comfort the McPherson family in their time of sorrow. I've known Stephen and and his dad for several years (Lely Corp). Stephen was a great guy and always friendly.
John Fogleman
December 14, 2009
I am saddened to loose a childhood friend.I can remember the good ole days,at school,and boy scouts.derick will always be remembered.my deepest sympathy to steve,paulett,amber.
Tammie Anderson Reese
December 14, 2009
My condolences to the McPherson family for such a tragic loss. Derick was always a kind hearted person in high school. Only God has the answers. We must leave it to him to decide our fate. Peace be with you and yours.
Tracey Duffer Brazington
December 14, 2009
It has been years since I talked or seen Derick. A mutual friend introduced us, and over the past couple of days I have remembered us talking on the phone and fun times out and about as teens. I will always be glad of our brief friendship.
RUTHIE & FOY WOODRUFF
December 14, 2009
DEAR STEVE,PAULETTE,& DEAN, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. GOD WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND IN HIS LOVE. AMBER WILL HAVE A ROUGH TIME OF THIS,HOWEVER SHE MAY NOT REMEMBER THIS AFTER A LONG TIME HAS PASSED. YOU HAVE FRIENDS THAT CARE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOU ARE BEING PRAYED FOR NOW AND FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES. GOD TELLS US THAT HE WILL HELP US IN TIME IF YOU KEEP THE FAITH. I KNOW YOU WILL BECAUSE YOU LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND MIND. THIS TOO SHALL PASS ALL THINGS WILL BECOME NEW IF WE BELIEVE. YOU NEED A FRIEND WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU. IN GOD'S LOVE RUTHIE AND FOY WOODRUFF GIVE AMBER A BIG HUGH EVERYDAY. SHE WILL KNOW YOUR LOVE AND WILL ACCEPT IT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Randy & Debbie Cardwell
December 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. We are so sorry for the loss of your son.
J. Holt
December 14, 2009
Dearest Steve and Paulette,
I will always remember him as little Derick from church.
As someone else has wisely written, I also hope that you may find comfort in your memories and the knowledge that you are in all our thoughts.
December 14, 2009
I am so very sorry for your loss here near the holidays. May God be with you today and always. My prayers especially go out to Amber for the loss of her father. Sincerely, Deanna Arey Cox (Asheboro)
December 14, 2009
I am so very sorry for your loss here near the holidays. May God be with you today and always. My prayers especially go out to Amber. Sincerely, Deanna Arey Cox
Amanda Oakley Bundren
December 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Eddie & Teresa Clark
December 14, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Bobby and Patty Mansfield
December 14, 2009
You and your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Derrick very much he we just so friendly. We will be praying for you and that God will help you get thru with his strength. May God Bless you and Derrick's little girl.
Cheryl Herman
December 14, 2009
I don't know what to say except I am very sorry.There are no words that anyone can say to ease the pain of a son and brother and a Father.I haven't been long since we lost our brother Gwen and I and it is still very fresh.People can say things to you hopingit will ease your pain but until someone goes through this the really don't know how it just takes away thelife inside of you.Dean I love you for the man you are and for helping me and Gwen during all ofthe process.To Mr.and Mrs. Mcpherson if there is anything that I can do or help with please let me know and my heart is really sadened by this for all the families involed.My Prayers are with you. Cheryl Herman
Gwen's Sister Gwen you are a angel I want you to know this.
Sandy Staley
December 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
December 14, 2009
Steve and Paulette,
You are in our prayers.
Lois and Bob Stockard
December 14, 2009
Steve and Paulette,
Please know that our prayers are with you.
Lois and Bob Stockard
EDDIE&DEBBIE BRADSHAW
December 14, 2009
TO MY MCPHERSON FAMILY....I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YALL..MY HEART GOES TO THE FAMILY...
Cheryl, Meredith and Max Hodge
December 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Praying that God will extend His wisdom, strength and healing to all of you in the days ahead.
Beth Robistow
December 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of grief and sorrow. My memories of Derick go back to high school...he was always sweet, kind, considerate and had the most gentle nature of any guy I knew. He will be greatly missed. I am truly saddened at the loss of a good man and my heart goes out to Amber at the loss of her father.
May God be with you through the days and nights to comfort and support you.
Brian and Shannon Stafford
December 14, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss during this tragedy. May God's peace be with you in the days ahead.
Crissy Seay
December 14, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Only God knows why and he will give you the strength to get through this.
Amy Pass Singleton
December 14, 2009
May God be with you during this difficult time. My heart and prayers go out to you. Derick was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
Shannon McBane
December 14, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gale Fernandes
December 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and for the many months to come.
Patty Cox
December 14, 2009
I wish I had words that could comfort you......
Please know that my love, thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May God give you courage, strength and support.
Debra Perry
December 14, 2009
Our memories of Derick are those of a sweet, kind, polite and respectful young man. We pray now for the most important person he left behind and that is his young daughter Amber. May God keep her in the palm of His hand.
Pat & Keith Cobb
December 14, 2009
So sorry for your lost. The family will be in our prayers. May God's comfort be with you forever.
Alan and Sue Holt
December 14, 2009
Our prayers are with you and your family.
December 14, 2009
Words can not express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God guide you and direct you in the following days.
Michael and Melanie Howell
Ila May Patterson Bowman
December 14, 2009
Dearest Paulette and Steve,
There aren't words to express the depth of sympathy and loss I feel for you. It still isn't something real to us so I know it cannot possibly be so for you. Derick looks like he was a beautiful son. I wish I'd met and known him! That was my loss.
I hear the sorrow in your voice, Steve, and know what's coming through to me is nothing of what you feel.
Paulette, I love you still, but you already know that. I, also, want you to know that my husband and I are/will be praying for you that the God of ALL comfort will bring you the peace and comfort that only He can give. Remember, too, each of you, and your son, that He has PROMISED never to leave you nor forsake you. That's His promise - to Steve, Paulette, Dean, Amber; and to Janet's family!
You're all in our hearts and our prayers!
My parents, Pat and Ruth, send their loving thoughts and many prayers and asked me to let you know they will continue to pray for you. They are hurting for you, as well. They think so much of you! Mama wants to come, especially, but I'm not sure health is going to allow it.
My sister Sharon (SHS'66) sends her condolences, as well. She's walked in your shoes. Only the circumstances were different! Either way, it's totally devastating.
You've suffered the greatest loss parents can suffer. My deepest condolences!
May He be with you all!
My love,
Ila May Patterson Bowman
Kelly Watkins Byrd
December 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all you.
December 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
michelle Hobby-McPherson
December 13, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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