Mary "Elaine" Derrick Libbey

Mary “Elaine” Libbey passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, in Macon, Georgia, at the remarkable age of 98. She lived a life full of grace, creativity, and deep love for her Lord—leaving behind a legacy that will continue to brighten the hearts of all who knew her.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Elaine was the daughter of Cecil Howard Derrick and Mary Esther Highsmith Derrick. She grew up alongside her brothers, Howard Derrick of San Angelo, Texas, and William Derrick of El Paso, Texas. A proud graduate of what is now the University of Texas at El Paso (formerly Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy), she earned a degree in fine arts with a minor in education. Her love for learning and creativity guided her early years as an elementary school teacher and later in life as an art instructor.

Art was not simply a hobby for Elaine—it was a calling. She excelled as a watercolorist, but her talents spanned acrylics and the delicate craft of batik. Her passion for the arts brought her into the heart of many artist communities and guilds across the places she and her family called home: New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Mississippi and Georgia.

As gifted as she was, Elaine’s greatest devotion was always her family and her faith. While attending UTEP, she met her lifelong companion, Donald Linden Libbey—a fellow student, a mining engineering and geology major, and the great love of her life. Together, they began their journey in Carlsbad, New Mexico, welcoming two daughters, Sharon Linn Libbey Anderson of Macon, GA, and Camille Elaine Libbey Shellhart of Littleton, CO. Their son, Donald Howard Libbey, of San Francisco, CA, was born during the family’s time in Arkansas. The Libbeys built a rich, full life together in New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Mississippi and eventually Georgia. Don, her beloved husband of 51 years, preceded her in death in 2000.

Elaine leaves behind a family who adored her beyond measure: Three children – Sharon (Jet), Camille (Craig), and Donald (Sara) Seven grandchildren and twelve great‑grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life:

• John Anderson and wife Jennifer of Cary, North Carolina, and their children Will, Grant, Libbey Kate, and John David
• Bill Anderson and wife Tyler of Birmingham, Alabama, and their children Callaghan, Roma, and Sienna
• David Anderson and his wife Megan of Birmingham, Alabama and their children Autumn, Ford, and Abby
• Chelsea Shellhart and her husband Ryan Ohly of Columbus, Ohio
• Caeleigh Shellhart and her husband Jim Davis of Littleton, Colorado, and their daughters Lola and Poppy
• Benjamin Libbey of Oakland, California
• Kaitlin Libbey of Davis, California

Elaine was a steadfast encourager, a gentle advocate, and a constant source of love. To her, each child, grandchild, and great‑grandchild was extraordinary—and she went out of her way to make sure they knew it.

She was a longtime member of North Macon Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped, sang joyfully in the choir and built friendships that enriched her life for many years.

Elaine had a way of lighting up every room she entered. She was a sunbeam—warm, bright, and uplifting—leaving people happier than when she found them. Her kindness, her artistic spirit, and her unwavering love for her family will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

We trust that she is at home in Heaven with her Savior now.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the North Macon Presbyterian Church at 5707 Rivoli Drive in Macon, GA. The Reverends Hunter Stevenson and David Todd will be officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to North Macon Presbyterian Church, Covenant Care Services, 3950 Ridge Ave, Macon, GA 31210, or First Presbyterian Day School, 5671 Calvin Drive, Macon, GA 31210.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.