Derek Persons' Obituary
Dr. Derek Alan Persons passed away on Monday September 28, 2015 after courageously battling a long-term illness. He was born in Sylacauga, AL and shortly thereafter moved to Gaffney, SC where he was raised. He attended Duke University obtaining B.S., M.D., and PhD degrees. He also completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology and oncology. In 1996, he moved to Memphis. There, he joined the faculty at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and directed a successful research program in the field of gene therapy for sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Judy and Jack Persons, and his brother Stanley Persons. He is survived by his devoted wife of 22 years, Janice Riberdy and his beloved daughter Emily Persons. He was a loving and affectionate doctor, husband, and father who will be dearly missed by many. Family will receive friends for a visitation at Memorial Park Funeral Home, Friday October 2, 2015 from 5-7 pm. The funeral Mass will be at 10 am in the Church of the Incarnation, Collierville followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.
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