Brandon “Abram” Derden (age 9) of Jacksonville answered God’s call home on June 16, 2023. Although Abram was born five weeks prematurely on February 11, 2014, no amount of time would have ever seemed like enough.

His infectious smile was contiguous, and with the tilt of his head, he could melt hearts instantly – a superpower he was not afraid to use. Abram’s joy was unmatched. He found pleasure in the simplest things, bubbles, a car window going up and down, listening to Toby Mac, his robot and light-up cars, and his reflection anywhere he could find it, especially in his light-up mirror or iPhone. It didn’t take much to get Abram to laugh, playing in Tug’s water bowl, splashing in the bathtub, watching his dad take his hat on and off, jumping on the trampoline with his Sis-Sis, or getting his fingernails cut. To his Da-Da (Bo) and his Mama (Ashlea), Abram was simply their Happy Boy. He loved beyond measure and loved making others happy, often grabbing both sides of your face and giving you an “AWE” on the cheek or square on the lips if he thought you were sad or simply needed to cheer up. Abram also found immense joy riding horses at Beyond Boundaries, watching Curious George, splashing and swimming, and anything with lights. We were blessed to see Abram interact with his twin brothers, Fenley and Ollie. We will forever cherish the memories of Abram holding them and kissing them as they played together. Abram’s bond with his sister Emilea was a true blessing to anyone who had the privilege to witness it. Not only would she do anything for Abram, but Abram would also do anything for her, including dressing up like a girl. When you held Abram, he melted into you just like he melted the hearts of so many left on this Earth to spread the Happiness he engraved into our hearts.

Those blessed with the privilege to have experienced our amazing Abram are his Lollie (Laura Cormier), Pap-Pap Ray Derden (Kim), Mammaw Lynn Collins , Aunt Ambie, Uncle CoCo, and Uncle Cain. Great Grandparents: Jeannette Warren, Judy Moore, Janie & Harold Mitchell and Pat & Mary Hum. As well as some amazing Cousins and Great Aunts & Uncles that loved our sweet boy. To Abram’s Therapists, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. Abram is in Heaven with his Pops (Bill Cormier), but most importantly, Abram is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be Monday, June 26, 2023, from 6-8 PM in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076.  Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11 am in the chapel at the funeral home with private burial services at Rest Hills Cemetery & Memorial Park; 7724 Landers Roads, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72117.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Abram’s honor to Beyond Boundaries.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com