Frederick Timothy Demps

The Reverend Frederick Timothy Demps, 73, of Palatka, peacefully responded to his Savior's summons and was called into eternal rest on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Haven Hospice, Roberts Care Center, Palatka, surrounded by his wife and family.
The son of Rev. Willie and Mrs. Ovelia (Watson) Demps, he was born on Sunday, August 12, 1951, in Jacksonville, FL. Preaching, teaching and pastoring has been his life! He was licensed to preach at the age of 17 and ordained at the age of 19 by the East Florida and Bethany Baptist Association. He served as Assistant Pastor and as Pastor of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville for 8 years, and Pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Palatka for more than 42 years, making him one of the longest continuously serving Pastors in Putnam County. He was installed as Pastor of Calvary in May 1977. He served faithfully in the preaching and pastoral ministry for over 50 years.
Pastor Demps took God's Word seriously, especially Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them."
He believed every person that he preached to was a masterpiece, a handiwork created by God and if they understood who God made them to be, they became a more valuable and productive person. His love for preaching, teaching and writing continued to be his passion during his retirement. He was actively involved in ministry until he transitioned, despite his increasing health challenges.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Irene Lucile Griffin-Demps, and they were married for over 55 years. They became the beloved parents of three children: Frederick, Kristie and Selena.
In addition to his parents, Pastor Demps was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Daniel Watson Demps.
He leaves to treasure his love and legacy: wife, Irene Griffin-Demps; son and daughters, Frederick (Trona) Demps, Kristie (Westley) Roberts, Selena (Son) Miller; 2 brothers, Henry W. Demps and James A. Demps; grandchildren, Nylah, Cailin, Kevin, Kayla and Samson Timothy; The Calvary Church Family; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 15, with a legacy celebration from 6-7 p.m., at Historic Calvary (now known as The Gathering Worldwide), 322 N. 10th St, Palatka. Celebration of Life: 10 a.m., Friday, May 16, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1414 Bronson St., Palatka. The Rev. Dr. Eugene Diamond, Pastor, Abyssinia Baptist Church, Jacksonville, will be the eulogist. Interment: Mt. Zion/Lone Star Cemetery, Jacksonville.
Online condolences: www.flaggserenitychapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel.