Carrollton mourns Ava Olivia Derbecker, 13, remembered for kindness, soccer passion, and protective spirit after tragic passing.
The Carrollton, Georgia, community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ava Olivia Derbecker, 13, who passed away on June 14, 2026, alongside her younger brother, Faris Vincent Derbecker, 9.
Their sudden deaths have left family, friends, classmates, and neighbors devastated, as they remember two bright young lives filled with love, laughter, and promise.
Ava was born on May 2, 2013, and quickly became known for her polite, graceful, and protective nature. She carried herself with kindness and maternal instinct, often looking out for those around her.
Soccer was her passion, and her determination and loyalty on the field reflected the same qualities she brought into her relationships. Her family described her as “the light of our world,” a daughter whose presence saved their lives and whose fierce spirit defended others with unwavering devotion.
Faris, born December 14, 2016, was remembered as adventurous, curious, humorous, and intelligent. He loved art and creativity, constantly exploring and learning with boundless energy.
His devotion to his family was evident in the way he sought his mother’s happiness, his sister’s approval, his brother’s protection, and his father’s contentment.
His parents said Faris taught others not only about the world but also about themselves, leaving behind lessons of love and discovery that will endure.
Together, Ava and Faris shared a bond that was inseparable, and their presence brought immeasurable joy to their parents, Michael and Victoria Derbecker, and their younger brother, Otis.
The siblings are survived by their parents and younger brother, who now face the unimaginable grief of losing two children at once.
Their extended family and the Carrollton community continue to honor their memory, reflecting on the joy, kindness, and inspiration Ava and Faris brought into their lives.
Friends and classmates recall Ava’s protective nature and her ability to make others feel safe and valued, while Faris’s humor and curiosity made him a beloved companion who was always eager to learn and share his discoveries.
Funeral arrangements have been set to allow family, friends, and community members to pay their respects. Visitation will be held on June 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home, 1312 S Park Street, Carrollton, Georgia.
The funeral service will follow on June 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Georgia. These services will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, share memories, and celebrate the lives of Ava and Faris.
Though their years were few, Ava and Faris made a lasting impact. Ava’s protective and maternal nature made her a cherished daughter and loyal friend, while Faris’s adventurous spirit and intelligence inspired those who knew him.
Their parents expressed that Ava saved their lives when she entered the world, and Faris taught others lessons that will never be forgotten. The Carrollton community will continue to carry their memory, honoring the joy, kindness, and love they shared.
Their legacy will live on in the hearts of family, friends, teammates, and all who were blessed to know them.
The deaths of Ava and Faris have left a void that cannot be filled, but their lives serve as a reminder of the importance of love, family, and community.
Their story is one of resilience, devotion, and inspiration, and though their time was short, their impact will endure for generations. The Carrollton community will continue to honor their memory, ensuring that Ava and Faris are never forgotten.
