Rev. Larry Devers

Larry Marden Devers was born on September 2, 1939, the fifth of eight children, to the late Clarence Devers and Juanita Cooke. On February 18, 2026, at 4:37 p.m., he peacefully departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father. Larry lived a life rooted in faith, devotion, service, and unwavering love for his family. At the age of 12, he met the love of his life, Alave Denise Thompson, at Union Baptist Missionary Church in Waskom, Texas. Their bond grew as they attended Carey M. Abney High School, formerly known as Central High School. On September 20, 1964, in Waskom, Texas, he married his soulmate. For 61 beautiful years, he loved and cherished his wife, whom he affectionately called “ Ala” or “Vee,” rarely using her given name. From that day forward, he made it his life’s mission to love and care for her. Larry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a tank assaultman. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California, and honorably served his country in Vietnam. His military service reflected the courage, strength, and commitment that defined his life. Larry and Alave’s journey led them to Oklahoma City, where they welcomed their son, Parenthesis Remmell “PD” Devers, lovingly called “ Augie Boy” by his father. They later moved to Seattle, Washington, where they welcomed their daughter, Gail Devers, whom he affectionately called “Stormy.” In 1968, they settled in San Diego, California, where Larry answered his divine calling and became an ordained minister. He pastored at St. James Baptist Church and served as an associate minister at Mt. Erie Baptist Church, both in San Diego, where they raised their family. In 1994, the couple returned to Texas and later relocated to Georgia in 1999. In Georgia, his home church was Mt Zion, and he later pastored at Cross Plains until his retirement. Larry’s ministry was not simply something he did—it was his life’s work. His faith guided him as he worked tirelessly to instill respect, commitment, and excellence in everyone he encountered. Larry was a devoted and present father who wholeheartedly supported his children in all their endeavors. Both were active in sports, and he was their constant supporter. Known lovingly as “Papa,” he faithfully stood on the warm-up field, picked up neighborhood children, and even ran the first leg of a 4x100 relay. His quiet strength and presence spoke volumes. After relocating to Georgia, he became president of the Gail Devers Foundation and helped launch Club F.O.R.C.E. (Focus On Respect, Commitment, and Excellence), values he lived out daily. Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He shared a special bond with his grandson, Pierson Remmell Devers (30), traveling often to spend cherished time with him. He took immense pride in his granddaughters, Karsen Anise Phillips (20) and Legacy Brielle Phillips (18). True to his nature, Larry rarely called anyone by their real names. His grandchildren were affectionately known as “Dude,” “Muffin,” and “Cricket.” Though he jokingly claimed each was his favorite, each held a uniquely special place in his heart. Family gatherings were filled with music, singing, keyboard playing, guitar lessons, old tv shows, laughter, and love. Anyone who encountered Larry felt welcomed and embraced as family. He is mourned not only by his biological family, but also by the many adopted sons and daughters who claimed him as their own. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Larry was a fighter to the end. On February 10, he rode his scooter with Mike. On February 14, he asked the love of his life to be his forever Valentine. On February 15, he preached his final sermon to Bri, one of his devoted caregivers and adopted daughters, who wished to hear him preach one more time. On February 17, at 4 a.m. he shared a cup of coffee with his son-in-law, Mike, and reminded his grandchildren to never give up the fight. On February 18, 2026, he went home to glory peacefully, with his wife and daughter holding his hands. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 61 years, Alave; his daughter, Gail; his grandchildren, Pierson, Karsen, and Legacy; and his son-in-law, Mike. He is also survived by his siblings: Sister Settie Dorsey; Brother John Henry (wife, Rubie); and Sister Martha (husband, Leo Downs). He was preceded in death by his brothers C.M. Devers (wife, Fannie), Marshall Devers, Raymond Devers (wife, Billie), and Arthur B. Devers (wife, Deedee). He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Katherine Crenshaw and Mary Ann Thompson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, adopted children, sons in the ministry, extended family, and countless friends. Larry Marden Devers leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, love, service, courage, music, mentorship, and unwavering devotion. He was a proud Marine, a faithful minister, a devoted husband to “ Alave,” a loving father to “ Augie Boy” and “Stormy,” and a joyful “Papa”to “Dude,” “Muffin,” and “Cricket.” “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

Rev. Larry Devers

September 2, 1939 - February 18, 2026