Evelyn Barnes DeVries

Evelyn Joanne Barnes Devries, age 85, of Gulfport, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy J. Barnes; her husband, Gerritt A. Devries; her parents, James H. Davis and Mattie M. Davis; and her sister, Mary Danelle Phillips.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Sharon L. Beard (Lyndon) of Gulfport and Michael Scott Barnes (Quin) of Gulfport; her sister, Wanda D. Keesing (Jack); her grandchildren, Christina Lynne Beard, John Maxwell Barnes, and David Mauffray (Mazzy); her great-grandchildren, Mary-Margaret Mauffray, and Hollis Mauffray; and much loved nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Evelyn is a native of Florida, and a resident of Gulfport, she graduated from Melbourne High School in Melbourne, FL, in 1955. She worked as an administrative assistant at Gates, Carter, and Levi, in Gulfport, MS from 1974 and then transferred to Legg-Mason, where she retired in 2007.

For many years she made cakes for birthdays, weddings, or other special occasions. Her world was centered on her family and her kitchen. She loved to cook and bake. She lived for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Evelyn was a member of Cowan Road Baptist Church for 30 years, and recently became a member of 1^st United Methodist Church in Gulfport.

Jo, Joanne, Mimi, Ms. Jo, Aunt Jo, Ms. DeVries, mom made so many sacrifices so her children’s lives could be better than her circumstances would have dictated. Mom raised three children as a single parent. Her faith remained as strong as her love and loyalty to family.

We would like to express special thanks to Carmen Beard Curtis, and Maria Nichols for the loving care they provided in the final weeks of mom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Gulf Coast Region.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 10 - 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport.  The funeral service will be at 11 am in the church.  Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.