Derek Taborn transitioned peacefully on June 18, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.

Derek was the son of Joe Taborn and the late Eva Straten Taborn. He was born on April 13, 1966, in Montclair, New Jersey.

In addition to his mother, Derek was preceded in death by his daughter, Yva Marie Battles; uncles, Phill Taborn and James Taborn; his grandmother, Frances Straten; the mother of his child, Robin Battles; and his aunt, Leslie Brown.

Derek was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church in Evington, Virginia. He graduated from Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey. After graduating, Derek proudly served in the United States Army.

Derek leaves to cherish his memory his father, Joe Taborn, and stepmother, Sadie Taborn, of Bedford, Virginia; his brother, Joseph Taborn, of Bloomfield, New Jersey; grandson, Derrek Taborn, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Zaniya Battles, of Altoona, Pennsylvania; aunts, Rose Marie Alexander of Oxford, North Carolina, and Annie Mae Stroughter of Youngstown, Ohio; and stepbrother and his wife, William Jones and Teresa Jones, of Roanoke, Virginia.

Derek will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church family, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.