Denson Earl “Tite” Deavers

Denson Earl “Tite” Deavers, 86, went to be with his Lord on July 17, 2017 at his home in Jayess after a lengthy illness. Services were held Friday, July 21, at Topeka Baptist Church in Jayess. A graveside service was held at Tilton United Methodist Church Cemetery, where he was laid to rest near his son, Denny.
Mr. Deavers was born March 31, 1931 in Lawrence County to Denson Durwood and Fannie Mae Deavers. He was preceded in death by his son, Denny; two brothers, Archie and Odas and six sisters, Myrtis Conerly, Florine Bridges, Francis Toney, and Augusta, Beratice and Johnnie Mae Deavers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Lou Brister Deavers. He is also survived by his daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Alford and husband, Lin “B” Alford; three grandchildren, Kelly Alford and wife, Misty, Lou Elise Jennings and husband, Taylor and Sabrinia Sheffield and husband, Chad; four great-grandchildren, Starlee, Caleb, Isabella and Kate; one brother, George Deavers and wife, Jean; one sister, Alice Bridges and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Deavers 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. Mr. Deavers joined the United States Air Force 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 in Columbia. He 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 eleven 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.
Mr. Deavers 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.
Mr. Deavers’s 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 Mr. Deavers 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.
The family would like to express their appreciation to three wonderful women who were Mr. Deavers’s caretakers, Charlotte Hudson, Nicole Evans 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 requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Mr. Deavers to Topeka Baptist Church, 824 China Grove Road, Jayess, MS 39641.