Madge VanDevender Obituary

Madge Gully VanDevender, age 98, died Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Wright & Ferguson High Street chapel followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Preston. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John Pace VanDevender, who died in 1993. A native of Kemper County, Mrs. VanDevender was the daughter of John William and Annie Jarvis Gully and the oldest of five siblings, all brothers.
Mrs. VanDevender graduated from what is now the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a teacher in the Jackson Public Schools, retiring in 1974 after many years of service, first teaching fourth graders at George Elementary and then transferring to Lee Elementary when George was closed. In addition to being an educator, Mrs. VanDevender was also a representative for World Book Encyclopedias.
Throughout her long life, Mrs. VanDevender was active in many organizations, including Alta Woods Baptist Church, Terra Firma Garden Club, and Alpha Delta Kappa. She was a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, for 51 years, relocating to Aurora, Colorado, in 1995. In 2003 she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. During these years, keeping in touch with her Mississippi friends and former students was a source of special joy to her.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ann VanDevender Campbell of Clifton, Virginia; her son, J. Pace VanDevender of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salem Church Cemetery Fund c/o The Mississippi Baptist Foundation, P. O. Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Jul. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Madge VanDevender

12 Entries

Lynn Taylor Hagerman

March 8, 2024

Mary Ann and John, I´m just now finding out that your precious mother passed away. I was your across the street neighbor on East Drive while we were in high school. Your mother was a fine lady. I live in Seabrook, Texas. My love to you,
Lynn Taylor Hagerman

Sandra Crockett Dearborn

July 16, 2008

Dear Mary Ann, Pace and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Mother.
She was a very special person in our church life.
Yall will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

BILLY FULTON, JR

July 15, 2008

Mary Ann & John,
What a blessing that you had your mom for all these years. I know she will be missed, but she is really home & @ peace. I will keep you in my prayers. Have a safe journey home. Even though it has been a long time since we have seen your mom, I can still remember the times my mom & dad spoke kind words about the good times they had. I am the son of Mildred Jarvis Fulton & Bill Fulton.

Susan Ferrell-Martin

July 14, 2008

Dear Mary Ann: I was saddened to read about your mothers death. What a blessing it is to know she is safe and secure in the arms of our Father. I am Lee Ferrells daughter,
Susan, and remember your guys from Alta Woods Baptist Church. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family as you go through this time.

Christine Harrell

July 14, 2008

Mary Ann, Terre called last night to tell me about your mother. I couldn't help recalling all the wonderful times we had at your home, from carpooling nonsense to just hanging out. Your mother was always the steady, warm presence that we knew we could count on for a gracious welcome and a funny, happy time.

I know you and Pace are grateful for her long life, and we will keep you all in our prayers and thoughts.

Nancy Sigrest Palmer

July 14, 2008

Today I heard about the passing of Mrs. VanDevender...my favorite teacher in all of my school years. She was my 4th grade teacher in 1950 at George Elementary School. It feels as if it were yesterday as the memories come flooding back to me. She was a very special teacher who made a deep impression on me at such an early age. She was a very close friend of my mother, Hazel Sigrest, and meant so much to her too. May God bless you as you celebrate her going home to be with her Lord.

Pat Warren Gore

July 14, 2008

Dear Mary Ann, Pace and Family,
Your Mom was a very special friend of my Mom's - Opal Warren. I am sure today they are renewing their wonderful friendship in Heaven. My Mom died on May 8, 2001. I have thought of your Mom many times since I lost mine because they were such wonderful friends. Precious Memories bring consolation as we remember our loved ones. May our Heavenly Father comfort you in the loss of one so precious and dear as your Mom.

Ross Lamberson

July 13, 2008

Dear Pace,

I lost my mother unexpectedly5 years ago and while I miss her I find that I am constantly remembering little things long forgotten. I am blessed with memories of her friends and family that they share with me. May God wrap his lovings arms around your family at this time and give you peace until that "great gettin' up morning" we can look forward to.

Bill Bell

July 13, 2008

My deepest sympathies for your loss, Pace. Bill Bell, Peeples and Provine class of 1966.

Martha Mozingo Miley

July 13, 2008

Dear Pace, Mary Ann & family: I have known Mrs. VanDevender since I was about 10 yrs. old. She was one on the most kind and gentle people I ever knew. I wrote her at least once a week until I didn't hear from her again. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but I am sure she is with God and the angels today. I have thought of her often through the years. If it helps any to recall who I am, Dr. J. C. Shorter was my stepfather and we attended Alta Woods for years. Again, I am so sorry about your mother.

Barbara Westerfield

July 13, 2008

Such a wonderful role model and teacher.

Ross Palmer

July 13, 2008

Pace and Mary Ann:

My condolences to you and your families. I have fond memories of your mom and of both of you.

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