The Best Is Yet To Come

Marianna and Derek met on a dating site called (POF) Plenty of Fish. It all started with Derek pushing the “like” button on Marianna’s profile. It took about a month or so before Marianna logged into the site, which was for the intentions of deleting her profile. After several attempts to delete her profile, going back and forth to the site obtaining unsuccessful attempts in locating anyone in particular, Marianna decided to explore her messages. That's when she discovered Derek’s attempt to catch her attention. Marianna read his profile and felt like it was a breath of fresh air compared to the others, and that it actually had substance. Derek seemed really honest and sincere about what he was looking for. Their first communication was via emails. this then led to the first phone conversation that lasted 3 hours long. that in turn led to the first date September 8, 2019. The next day Derek claimed Marianna as his girlfriend and told her “you are now off the market”! There is so much to be said because after 09/09/19 the two have been inseparable and have created a loving and beautiful relationship with God at the center.

Born January 24th, 1969 in Oakland, California to Clifford L West & Beverly L West. Derek grew up in Fremont, California. Derek's younger brother is the late Danny West. Derek graduated from Irvington High School in 1987. Played on both the football and baseball teams. Derek coached baseball with his dad for many years building lifelong friendships. Some of those friends are his groomsmen in the wedding. After graduating Derek attend Ohlone Jr College, majoring in Communications/Broadcasting. He was a radio DJ for a few years. Derek worked at the college radio station KOHL, along with KDON in Salinas, and HOT 97.7 in San Jose. Derek worked at Nob Hills Foods (Raley's) as a Produce Manager from 1989-2002 (13 years). He left Nob Hills Food in 2002 and went to work for Restaurant Depot where Derek has now worked for 18 years. Derek is currently the Assistant Branch Manager at the Oakland location. Derek will soon be relocating to the Roseville location before the wedding, occupying the same position. Derek has 2 daughters Haley and Payton who are the loves of his life. He is a Die Hard Raider fan and loves the Silver and Black! Derek enjoys all types of music however, he especially likes old school R&B, 80's music, classic rock n' roll, and old school rap. Derek loves Marianna very, very much and wishes to spend the rest of his life with her with God at the center of their relationship and to live happily ever after.

Marianna was born June 24th, 1970 in Sacramento, California to Burnette M. Battiste (Mr B) and Martha R. Battiste. Marianna grew up in the Larchmont and College Green areas. Marianna also lived in South Carolina at the age of 7 briefly with her maternal grandmother. She frequently visited her paternal grandmother during that time. Marianna's siblings are the late Aleta Bernadette, Bernard Alonzo Battiste and Nannette Lynina West. Marianna had another Mother figure in her life Marva Jo Dansby who plàyed a significant role in her life. Marianna attended high school at Hiram W Johnson where she competed in track and field, AFJROTC as a cadet, participated in school plays and also sang in the school choir. in addition to school activities Marianna worked two jobs. Opening at McDonalds and closing at Burger King. Marianna earned a full ride scholarship to UC Davis. Studied medicine while raising two daughters Ashley Marriah and Jenee Arianne, also two grandsons James Ivery V and Emias Zion Veney. Marianna also coached high school track and field for Hiram Johnson, Luther Burbank and Florin High and was classroom mom for her daughters. Marianna worked for Raley's for 26 1/2 years retiring in October 2014. She currently works for UC Davis Medical Center where she has worked for 15 years. Marianna has been representing herself and coworkers since age 18 when she first encountered workplace bullying, which later became the result of a law she got passed AB 2053 anti-bullying in the workplace the Bill was passed in 2014. Marianna spent 3 years as a trustee for Teamsters Local 2010 Rep Admin Assist. and clerical members statewide for UC campuses, and began a non profit in 2016 titled Workers Linked Together. Marianna sings with the Sacramento karaoke team and while visiting San Diego she also sings in the piano bars before she met the man of her dreams, Mr Derek West. Something you may not know about Marianna is that she was in a film in 2005 and played the role of a mother for the lead star character Gabe, produced by California Dairy Council. Marianna says the film is still being used as an educational piece and is currently being taught in elementary schools nationwide.