Honorable Burial for Derek Holland

Six years ago in May 2009, I married Derek Holland, an officer of the city of Corninth, MS. He was truly my soul mate, we could often feel what words could not say. Unfortunately, we only had one full year together while Derek was still in good health. After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2010, he was forced to retire from the police force after 25 years of fully dedicated service. Derek had always told his mom he either wanted to be a cop or a cowboy. At age 15, he joined the police scout program, and would perform ride alongs with officers, training for his future career in law enforcement. When he reached 18, he joined the army to serve our country, but was soon after discharged honorably when called on by his family to return home in order to care for his grandmother who was ill, and mother who needed surgery. On his return to Corinth, he joined the local police force, which led to his specializing as an undercover narcotics agent in other locations, and ultimately settling back in Corinth.  When I met him a few years after his return, he caught my eye when I was working and actually used the old pick up line of haven't I met you before, and the rest is our history. We discovered Derek was sick when he blacked out one day and thankfully I was home and called 911. When they arrived he had no reconizable blood pressure reading. After being admitted to the hospital he was then diagnosed. He could no longer work and had to retire at 45 yrs. old. He started proceedings to get disability but was denied twice. Two years after diagnosis he started having seizures and would black out. He never wanted me to call an ambulance but at one point I had to and at this point they discovered an aneorism the size of a softball on his spleen. They were able to coil it with 5 coils. He came home but his health just continued to decline. His medical bills kept piling up, since we were unable to afford health or life insurance when we became a one income family. As a result, his premature passing at just 50 years has created some financial harship for his family, to lay him to rest in a way he deserves. Derek gave so much to the people he loved in his family and community, and we hope to give it back in a way to honor his memory. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.