Derri Smith

Derri Smith, a devoted wife, beloved mother, and passionate community leader, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 72. Born on December 15, 1953, on Manhattan Island, New York, Derri's journey through life was marked by her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and tenacious commitment to helping others.

In younger years, Derri dedicated herself to teaching and nourishing young minds as an Elementary School Teacher at Northmont School District near Dayton, Ohio. Her passion for education was paralleled only by her strong calling to serve those in need. In the 80’s she directed the Adopt-A-School program at Carter Lawrence Middle School, a neighborhood project of Belmont Church. Alongside her husband of 53 years, William "Bill" Smith, Derri felt compelled to extend her hands and heart to Eastern Europe, where they cared for refugees and supplied the needs of churches and Christians behind the Iron Curtain.

After returning to Nashville in 1994, Derri homeschooled her daughters. In 2009 she developed a passion for helping victims of human trafficking and, in 2012 founded End Slavery Tennessee, a transformative organization through which she changed countless lives. Her most satisfying accomplishment was empowering a thousand women who had experienced the horrors of human trafficking, helping them recover and regain their strength. Additionally, she played an instrumental role in training law enforcement, healthcare providers and educators to recognize those in need, ensuring that her impact echoed far beyond her immediate efforts.

She testified to a Congressional Committee concerned with human trafficking. The Nashville Business Journal honored her as a “Woman of Influence” and a “Most Admired CEO.” She received the Human Rights Outstanding Service Award from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

Derri was not only a woman of purpose but also of creativity. When in later years Derri’s health confined her to home, a friend brought her art supplies and encouraged her to try watercolors. Her husband recalls with fondness how, in waning years, Derri gradually took over the dining room table as she discovered and developed her skill. Her favorite pursuit in her final year was painting greeting cards that she sent, with words of love and encouragement, to friends.

Derri’s personality shone brightly through her passion, generosity, and inspiration. She loved her family, her church, anyone in need, and above all, the Savior to whom she credited every good thing. Derri took pleasure in watching her daughters, Bethany and Dr. Amy Smith, grow into remarkable women, and she cherished every moment with her grandchild, Robin Dym.

Derri is survived by her loving husband, William "Bill" Smith; her daughters, Bethany Smith and Dr. Amy Smith; and her grandchild, Robin Dym. She is preceded in death by her parents, David DeRooy and Dr. Joan DeRooy.

A memorial service to honor Derri's extraordinary life will be held on January 31, 2026, at The Village Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee at 1pm with Pastor Jim Thomas officiating. The public is invited to gather, reflect, and celebrate the impactful legacy of a woman who devoted her life to serving God and others with love and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages visitors to bring new or well-cared-for children’s books that will bless young families.