Deborah “Deb” Lynn DeVall, 64, of the Brookhaven community, passed away on Dec. 25, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Everett Everly and the late Ruth Chidester Everly.
Deb enjoyed being around her loving family, especially her four grandchildren who were her world. She loved being involved in her family’s lives by watching the grandkids play sports, taking them camping on their annual Yogi Bear trip and hosting the DeVall/Forman reunion. She devoted her life to taking care of others — providing a shoulder to cry on, a meal to feed the soul, the perfect Halloween costume, or joy and comfort to a child.
In her early adult life, she was a proud owner of Rent A Costume, a business she started with her Aunt Barb. Through this business, she was able to fulfill children’s wishes, even when it meant making the costume from scratch. She was affectionately known as “the Costume Lady.”
She also spent time working for the U.S. Census. A former colleague remembered, “We were in a big office with lots of people, none of whom knew each other. Deb right from the beginning, brought in roasters of food to share. Literally, roasters full of the BEST tasting food. There was nothing better that could have been done to remove barriers between us and make us friends than meeting around her roasters for lunch.”
In recent years, as an elementary school secretary, she loved providing her delicious cooking to her Mountain View Elementary family. Her kind heart also ensured that no child went without proper clothing and food. As one of her friends fondly remembered, “When she worked at Mountainview, she had a drawer that was always full of candy. She would bring in lunch and goodies weekly for faculty at school. She was always ready to listen and help with anything anyone ever needed. She was a talented woman with a beautiful heart.” Another remembered “She was a wonderful cook. I think I carry 10 pounds in her name! Deb was everyone’s mom, grandmother and friend.”
Throughout her life, she was the seamstress who many trusted to perfect their gown for their homecoming, prom, pageant or wedding day. She preserved memories for countless people by sewing clothing memorials made out of their loved one’s clothing. She kept local bands looking sharp with annual custom alterations. Her creativity and sewing talents brought immeasurable joy to those lives.
When she wasn’t cooking, sewing and making a home, she loved taking road trips and thrifting with her family and friends.
Deb is survived by her loving husband of 45 years Rick DeVall; daughter, April Ferguson and husband Michael, of Bedford, Mass.; son, Rick DeVall Jr. and wife Olivia, of Brookhaven; four grandchildren, Belle, Grace, Parker and C.J.; one brother, Rob Everly and wife Tammy; two sisters, Kim Curtis and husband Bob and Melissa Gillispie and husband Tim; brother-in-law, Ron DeVall and wife Louise; numerous nieces and nephews; and a grand-puppy, Wrangler.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Chidester Everly.
Cremation services are being arranged by Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home, of Morgantown. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Deb’s memory to the Kingdom EMC church in Westover.
