Alice Faye Herbert Derrickson, the legendary pistol-packin’ beauty, went home to Jesus on June 10, 2026. 

Alice was very well known in the Northern Neck as a master seamstress, teacher, and upholsterer; and perhaps even more well known as a bartender, chef, musician, friend, and mother.

Alice was born on July 25, 1941 to Margaret and Ernest Herbert. She grew up in picturesque Tidwells, Virginia, the second youngest of 10 children. Alice took it upon herself to help support the household from a very young age, and helped her mother in every way she could. After her father’s passing, Alice introduced her mother to the man who would eventually become her beloved stepfather, James Albert “Pop” Carroll. 

Alice learned to play guitar as a young woman, and had a great talent for picking. However, she had an even more extraordinary gift for sewing. She was renowned for making beautiful clothes without patterns to work from. Many brides adored her wedding dresses. As an upholsterer, her expert craftsmanship was unmatched, and many of her apprentices have gone on to have successful upholstery careers of their own. Alice opened her own shop, Derrickson Upholstery, in 1976, where she beautified furniture, and customized seats for boats, aircraft, classic cars, and motorcycles. 

In November of 1976, Alice married Wendell Derrickson, and together they built a home in Lyells that would always be filled with song and company. People will always remember the Saturday night hoedowns at the Derrickson residence. Alice’s home was always filled with music and good food– and everyone was welcome. Alice’s life was filled with music and laughter, and so many longtime residents of the Northern Neck have epic stories to share about this strong woman who was absolutely larger than life. 

In her late 50’s, Alice went back to school to receive her teaching license from James Madison University. She taught upholstery at Haynesville correctional facility for 12 years, and had successful students turn their lives around under her tutelage. She made a positive impact in her community, not only by teaching, but by caring for every person that ever knew her. Any hungry person would be fed well in her presence. Anyone who needed a place to stay, anyone who needed clothes to wear, and anyone who needed a song and a shoulder to cry on would find themselves safe under her wing. The sacrifices she made to support her family throughout the years were immeasurable and will not be forgotten, just as she will never be forgotten.

In her last two and a half years, Alice lived with her son Wes, his wife Melody, and also their two cats (Chester & Henry) whom she absolutely adored. There, she was showered with love, affection, lots of hugs, and homecooked meals that she raved about to everyone she spoke to. She got to spend her last days living life on her terms with the freedom to relax and be herself. Her son told her many times that it was his honor and privilege to be her caretaker in her final years.

Alice was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Margaret and Ernest; her stepfather, Pop Carroll; her husband of 48 years, Wendell Derrickson; 8 of her 9 siblings; and many cherished friends.

Alice is survived by her children, Cathy Blood Armstrong (Stephen) and Wes Derrickson (Melody); her granddaughters, Samantha and Danielle (Fell); and great-grandson, Asher. She is also survived by many friends, extended family, and surrogate family members. The family would also like to extend the deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Kate Parr for her support in Alice’s final months. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd, at Edgewater United Methodist Church, 2152 N. Tidwells Rd., Montross, VA 22520, with a repast immediately following in the fellowship hall. Flowers may be sent to the fellowship hall, 2152 N. Tidwells Rd., Montross, VA 22520. And please think of Alice when you celebrate Independence Day this year, to honor a woman who was truly a human firecracker.