Sharie Mae Devenport

Sharie Mae Devenport, 86, of Galien, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025.

Sharie was born on October 3rd, 1938, in Corning, Missouri, and spent the majority of her life in Michigan. She graduated from high school in Muskegon and in 1958, married Merrill Devenport. Merrill honorably served in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller, a role that took their family to various locations across the country. Sharie truly loved traveling and particularly enjoyed their time in Puerto Rico and Alaska.

Eventually, the family settled in Buchanan, Michigan. Sharie was well known for her exceptional baking, especially her famously large cookies. Her sweet treats were a staple at many fundraisers and events, where they were always appreciated and enjoyed.

Professionally, Sharie dedicated over twenty years of service in an administrative role at the Berrien County Parole Office in Niles. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Known for her warm, welcoming nature, she frequently hosted family gatherings with beautiful spreads of food and an open-door hospitality that made everyone feel valued.

Family was the cornerstone of Sharie's life. She was deeply devoted to her children, always present and supportive in their endeavors. This same love and attentiveness carried into her relationships with her grandchildren. Sharie took great joy in learning about their interests and building meaningful connections with each of them. She was very generous and never missed sending a card for any occasion, always making sure you felt loved. Sharie's legacy lives on in the love she gave and the family she so dearly cherished.

Sharie is survived by her son, Michael (Cynthia) Devenport of Galien, Michigan; daughters, Cheryl (Dan) Devenport-Trayler of British Columbia, Canada and Wendy Hayden of Carbondale, Colorado; grandchildren, Nicholas (Regina) Devenport, Ryan (Elisha) Devenport, Michelle Devenport and Hannah (John) Nieslanik; great-grandchildren, Jonathon Devenport and Sara Devenport; siblings, David (Sherrie) Hickman, Jr., Tracy (Jeanne) Hickman, Robert (Sherry) Hickman, Cinda Hobbs and James (Marlene) Hickman. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mabel (Hollander) Hickman; father and stepmother, David (Ilah) Hickman; husband, Merrill Devenport; son-in-law, Carl Hayden; siblings, Paul Hickman, Lavon (Dan) Schumaker, Lynelle (Bryan) Westerlund, and brother-in-law, Roger Hobbs.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1-4 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Riverview Park - Woodbine Lodge, 2927 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.

Memorial contributions in Sharie's name may be made to Camp Sunshine - Michigan, Holland, MI, or Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.