Derma Moton

Obituary
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah
40:31

Sunrise
Derma Louise Kirkmon entered this earth on January 26, 1930, in Clarksdale, Mississippi,
the youngest of three children born to Talmadge DeWitt and Irene Baker Kirkmon. Her
parents and two siblings, Dr. Talmadge Kirkmon, Jr., and Dr. Gloria K. Spencer, preceded
her in death.

A Time to Worship
Her parents instilled Christian values and the importance of education in their children.
Derma confessed her hope in Christ at a young age. She was baptized at Metropolitan
Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Trueville Black.
Derma remained an active member of the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She
enjoyed worship services and working in and around the church. Derma would sometimes
be the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring things were clean and in place for the
service.

A Time to Shine
Derma received her formal education in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Attending schools in
Coahoma County, Derma loved books, making reading one of her favorite pastimes. She
continued her education in the rich soils of the Delta and enrolled at Coahoma Junior
College. Derma participated in numerous organizations while pursuing her degree. She
was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 203. Derma graduated in 1962 with an
Associate of Arts degree.

A Time to Love
She was united in matrimony on April 15, 1949, to Howard H. “Peter” Moton, who also
preceded her in death. Four children were born to this union: Howard Jr., Charlotte Louise,
Buster, and Harold “Bro” Moton. Harold “Bro” Moton preceded her in death. Her husband
affectionately called her “Lil Hon.” She and Peter reared their family in Clarksdale,
Mississippi.

A Time to Labour
Derma began her first job in the Johnson-Dickerson Library on the campus of Coahoma
Junior College, where she spent much of her free time. In the library, she taught many
students how to find and use credible sources for assignments, projects, and papers. You
could find Derma and her children on the second floor organizing periodicals, journals, and
novels. She stressed the importance of a good education by encouraging her children and
countless others to better themselves by attending school.

Sunset
For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from
His. Derma was called to rest on September 2, 2025, surrounded by family. Precious
memories are shared by her children, Charlotte (Lavern) Dangerfield of St. Louis, Missouri;
sons Howard Moton and Buster Moton of Clarksdale, Mississippi; eight grandchildren and
ten great-grandchildren; a special niece, Joyce Austin; and other relatives, church family,
and friends.

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