Patricia D. DeVane

Mrs. Patricia "Patty" D. DeVane, 79, of LaGrange, GA passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, LaGrange, GA.
Patty was born June 15, 1945 in Atlanta, GA, daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred Doss. She is survived by her husband, Jim DeVane; son, Jay and Kendra DeVane and their children, Jack, Miller, Emory, and Tuckie; son, David and Amber DeVane and their children, Alex, Millie, and Maggie; and son, Patrick and Sara DeVane and their children, Piper and Andy.
She was a graduate of Murphy High School in Atlanta, Class of 1963, and she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Georgia State University. Patty spent the beginning of her career teaching both elementary and middle school students before becoming a principal until she retired. Patty had a love of grammar and even though there was a never ending supply of students' work to grade, she always had time to review her own boys' school essays with the dreaded red pen.
Patty first met Jim when she was chosen to interview him for the Murphy High School paper. (He had won some academic award, but was a bit scarce on the specific details of the award, thus leading to a frustratingly short article for Patty). Nevertheless, she must have seen something in her less-than-wordy interviewee, because they reconnected a while later, began dating, leading to a wedding on June 22, 1968, that saw them together for nearly 57 years.
She was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square in LaGrange, Georgia. Paul Baxter's Sunday school class was her class, but she served as an assistant teacher in the Ruth Sunday school class as well. She loved her weekly Bible studies and enjoyed volunteering at West Georgia Hospice.
A prolific card writer and encourager, Patty regularly gave of herself and her time to make sure others felt cared for. Her kids, grandkids, and 'adopted family' across the country would regularly get notes and cards in the mail from Patty. Birthdays, special occasions, or just to tell someone that she was thinking of them, any time was a good time to send a card in Patty's mind. The US Post Office will miss her greatly.
Patty loved to travel, with any beach where she could just 'sit and hear the ocean' being her favorite. She liked walking along the shoreline, collecting seashells in order to remember each trip. When at home, she loved a good porch swing, fresh flowers in the flowerbeds, and planning for and anticipating the next time she could get the whole family together.
She was 'Nana' to her 9 grandkids and was an eager and beaming-proud participant in their lives. From attending sporting and school events, to reading with them at bedtime (Dr Suess's ABC book was a favorite that she and Pop could recite from memory), to keeping them supplied with arts and crafts and school supplies, Nana liked nothing better than getting to watch her grandkids grow and thrive, and she was so proud of the person each of them is becoming.
Above all, Patty loved Jesus. She shared that love with all she encountered, and hoped everyone would have a personal relationship with Him.
The Celebration of Life Memorial service will be on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church on the Square with Dr. Paul Baxter and Rev. Paul Blair officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.