Denson Earl “Tite” Deavers
86, Jayess
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Tilton United Methodist Church Cemetery for Denson Earl “Tite” Deavers, 86, of Jayess, who went to be with his Lord on Monday, July 17, at his residence after a lengthy illness. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, and from 9 p.m. until the time of the services on Friday, July 21, at Topeka Baptist Church, 824 China Grove Road. Jayess, MS 39641. He was laid to rest near his son, Denny.
He was born on March 31, 1931, in Lawrence County to Denson Durwood and Fannie Mae Deavers. He was raised in the humble surroundings of his family’s farm where he learned the values of hard work and personal responsibility. He graduated from Topeka High School and went to Southeastern Louisiana University on a basketball scholarship.
He joined the United States Airforce during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he went to the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his master’s degree in education. He began his teaching career at Murrah High School in Jackson. After six years at Murrah, he taught and coached basketball at Columbia High School and also served as principal at Columbia Elementary School. Following his tenure at Columbia, he served as principal at Sumrall Attendance Center in Lamar County for 11 years. The opportunity came for him to return home to Lawrence County as principal of Topeka Tilton Attendance Center. He completed his career in education as Superintendent of Lawrence County School District. One of the honors he held was being elected as president of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents.
He was a very active member of Topeka Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Serving his Lord was primary in his life. His family and friends were very important to him. He was an encourager who made friends easily with people of all ages and all walks of life. His family expressed that he worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball, track, golf, hunting and fishing. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember his involvement in all aspects of their lives. He was a great husband and daddy. He will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his son, Denny; two brothers, Archie and Odas; six sisters, Myrtis Conerly, Florine Bridges, Francis Toney, Augusta Deavers, Beratice Deavers and Johnnie Mae Deavers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Lou Brister Deavers; daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Alford (Lin “B”); three grandchildren, Kelly Alford (Misty), Lou Elise Jennings (Taylor), Sabrinia Sheffield (Chad); four great-grandchildren, Starlee, Caleb, Isabella and Kate; one brother, George Deavers (Jean); one sister, Alice Bridges, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their appreciation to three wonderful women who were Mr. Deavers’ caretakers, Charlotte Hudson, Nicole Evan and Ieicha Magee. They have been very kind and loving not only to Mr. Deavers, but to the whole family. They would also like to thank St. Luke Hospice, St. Luke Home Health, and Compassus Hospice for their kindness and professional attention to their loved one.
Pallbearers were Lin Alford, Kelly Alford, Taylor Jennings, Chad Sheffield, Wally Givens, Kenny Graves and Cliff Reid. Honorary pallbearers were the deacons of Topeka Baptist Church, Heath and Howard Fairburn, Reid and Kyle Graves, Congressman Gregg Harper and Malcom Courtney.
The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made in memory of Mr. Deavers to Topeka Baptist Church, 824 China Grove Road, Jayess, MS 39641.
