Larry Givens

Mr. Larry Givens, 75, of Chatom, Alabama, passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity on Monday, October 6, 2025, at his home with his loving wife at his bedside. He was born on May 28, 1950, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Ellis Vernon Givens and Opal Wood Givens. Larry was a member of Laton Hill Baptist Church and retired as a wood scaler for Boise Cascade PCA in Jackson, Alabama.
Larry was proud to be from State Line, Mississippi. Though he finished high school at Waynesboro Central, he often reminded everyone that he was from State Line - and proud of it. Growing up in the 1950s and '60s, he formed lifelong friendships and countless memories with his sister Debbie, whether it was hiding their horses (Larry's always found its way to the pond) or sharing their beloved pet monkey, Andy - whose story became a family legend.
When Larry's mother told him and Debbie that a baby was on the way, Larry sat quietly while Debbie ran crying to her room. That baby girl, Abby Elizabeth, became one of their greatest joys.
As a young man, Larry developed a passion for coin collecting, encouraged by his mother, which brought him joy throughout his life. He also developed interest in Indian artifacts, antique bottles, and most anything old. He also excelled in sports - football, track, baseball, and especially basketball. Known as a "sharpshooter" by The Meridian Star, Larry's long-range shots and high-scoring games made him a legend in Wayne County. Yet, he often said, "I want to be remembered for more than my basketball skills."
He met his future wife, Mona Shea on December 20, 1968, when she came to one of his Mississippi College basketball games. Larry would later say, "That's the night I fell in love with my dream girl." That was the beginning of a love story that spanned more than 57 years - 54 of them in marriage. Their relationship was built on deep devotion and faith. It endured every challenge and grew into a rare, mature love. Larry often called Mona Shea his "sweetheart," and she was the love of his life.
Larry's work ethic was unmatched. Whether at Continental Oil Company, where he began his career, or at Boise Paper Mill, where he retired, Larry approached every task with diligence and pride. Larry was also a pine tree farmer and a wonderful steward of the land and the trees. He loved nature and the land, finding joy and peace in caring for God's creation. He passed that same commitment on to his children and grandchildren.
Most importantly, Larry's life was anchored by his faith in Jesus Christ. At 23 years old, in April 1973, Larry made a public profession of faith and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. He often said he realized that no one could ever be "good enough," but that salvation was found in Jesus alone - the One who lived a perfect life and took our place on the cross. Larry believed deeply that when Jesus was nailed to the cross, so were his sins - past, present, and future.
Even during his final days, his faith never wavered. One evening in the hospital, he softly sang the hymn Because He Lives through tears and weakness:
"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives."
Larry loved reading his Bible and devotionals, especially in his retirement years. His prayer, even above his own healing, was for his children and grandchildren to come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Those who knew Larry best would describe him as faithful - to his wife, his family, his work, and his friends. He lived with quiet strength, integrity, and deep love.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Vernon Givens. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Mona Shea Givens of Chatom, AL; his mother, Opal Wood Givens of Jackson, AL; his children, Matt Givens (Patrick) of Neptune, NJ, Ben Givens (Shae) of Chatom, AL, and Bonnie Givens of Chatom, AL; his sisters, Debbie Graham (Baron) of Waynesboro, MS, and Abby Beverly (Byron) of Coffeeville, AL; grandchildren, Valerie Cabana (Rem), Frasier Givens (Ashley), Max Givens, Kate Givens, and Ellis Givens; and one great-grandchild on the way, Zoey Cabana.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Laton Hill Baptist Church, 44 Nathan Jordan Road, Chatom, AL 36518, followed by the memorial service at 3:00 PM. Rev. Josh Greene, Rev. Mike Chatham, Dr. Larry Turner, Rev. Cheryl Lankford, and Homer Gordon will officiate. Interment will follow in Red Bank Cemetery in Washington County, AL. Pallbearers will be Frasier Givens, Max Givens, Cory Beverly, Joshua Box, Andrew Box, and Chad Graham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission of Hope Ministries, 14970 Mission Road, Mobile, AL 36608, or online at www.missionofhopeministries.net/donate