Robert Devoe

Passed 05/21/2022

Obituary For Robert Devoe

Rev. Dr. Robert Edward Devoe, Pastor Emeritus and Church Founder was born on November 5, 1932 to the late Rhodel and Rose Carter Devoe in Barnwell, South Carolina. Dr. R.E. Devoe received the call to preach in the mid 1950’s. He was ordained by his first pastor, the late Reverend B.S. Scott of Saint John Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC. Dr. Devoe was a graduate of Butler High School of Barnwell, SC; a graduate of Benedict College in Columbia, SC with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry; a graduate of the J.J Starks School of Theology with a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. He was also a graduate of the United States Army Chaplin School of Fort Solcum, New Rochelle, New York. He attended Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and received a Master’s Degree in Science Education and attended the Mid-Atlantic College for his Master of Divinity degree. In addition, he received a Doctor of Ministry Degree at the Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, S.C. and was given an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Friendship College in Rock Hill, SC. Dr. Devoe served his country for two years in the United States Armed Forces as a non-commissioned officer. However, after graduation from seminary he became a commissioned officer with the rank of First Lieutenant and as a Chaplain in the United States Army and later promoted to the rank of Captain. Dr. Devoe taught school in the public school system of South Carolina, and served as a Science Consultant in the Public School System of Washington, DC. He taught chemistry and religion at Friendship Jr College in Rock Hill, SC. Dr. Devoe served as Pastor of Ridge Hill Baptist Church in Ridge Spring, SC, Bethany Baptist Church Jonesville, SC, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, and Shiloh Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. He established and pastored Good Samaritan Fellowship Baptist Church; and established Canaan Memorial Baptist Church in 2002 serving as pastor until he retired in 2020. He also served as the Moderator of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Association for eleven years and as President of the Minister’s Conference of Cleveland County. Dr. Devoe was a dedicated and lifetime member of the NAACP. He served on the Executive Committee, in the office of vice-president, and several terms as the President of the Cleveland County Branch of NAACP with his most recent term being 2018-2020. He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Devoe received a number of awards and plaques for his outstanding service as a pastor, mentor, and community leader. He always said “Two things are dear to my heart-the Church of the living God on one side and the NAACP on the other side. On Saturday, May 21, 2022 in Cherryville, NC, Dr. Devoe entered into eternal rest receiving his greatest award yet, the crown of righteousness that was laid up for him and to all that love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 He was preceded in death by his wife Odessa Threatt Devoe, parents, Rhodel and Rose Carter Devoe; stepmother Daisy Devoe; brothers, Marion Devoe, John Devoe, Sr, and Laudric Devoe, and sisters Mattie Devoe and Mae Devoe Fields. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his children Michael (Shirley) Friday of Columbia,SC, Pamela Devoe, Drusilla (Roy) Sharpe and Robert (Gaye) Devoe of Shelby, NC; grandchildren, Mika (Juan) Mendez of Fayetteville, NC, Charlee Lott, Rock Hill, SC, Quin (Madge) Lott, Columbia, SC, Kendra DeVoe, Shelby, NC, Robert Gabriel “Gabe” Devoe, Jordan Isaiah “RJ” Devoe, Jordy Donovan Sharpe and Micah (Shaniqua) Gayten all of Shelby, NC; brothers, Earnest Devoe, Lanham, MD, Weldon Hay Devoe, Winston-Salem. NC, James Devoe, Jacksonville, FL and Steve (Toni) Devoe of Silver Springs, MD; sisters, Cornelia (Raymond) Haywood, Carrie Devoe Washington, Daisy Ruth Devoe Jones, Martha Devoe Williams, Jacksonville, FL, Mary (Columbus) Jones, Barnwell, SC and Sandra (David) Bland, Augusta, GA and seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many devoted friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church. The service will be livestreamed starting at 11:45 AM from the Enloe Mortuary Face Book page. A reception of friends will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the church in addition to Thursday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Gaye Devoe, 2978 Laura Rd. Shelby. Burial will take place with military rites on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at St. John Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that monetary contributions be made to: Canaan Memorial Baptist Church-building fund.



Guest Book

Rev.Devoe was a very smart man he could help you with any problem you need help with or and answer too formy son had a problem.and Rev Devoe was there to help him out so RIP Rev.your work is still remembered down here. Mary D.Sims.

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Pam, Drusilla, and Robert, I'm just now learning of Rev. Devoe's passing. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a wonderful man and pastor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Mavis Jones

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He served Yehovah God well! I loved how he stood as a leader in the community! He will be missed! Marlon Cole

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Prayer to the Devoe family. Rev. R. Devoe will definitely be remembered of the legacy he left behind in Cleveland county. Rev. Devoe was a valuable role model and had high standards of civil rights action for his people to live by. Rev. Devoe was a great man God. Truly will be missed, but not forgotten of his great work at different churches and in Cleveland county. May God give comfort to the family. Peace and 🙏 prayers to the family. Jacqueline H., Kingstown Nc

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Dear Family, words can not express how much our pastor, your father, your grandfather, your father-in-law, and your friend meant to us! We will always have great memories of many Famble Gospel Singers' anniversaries, many Bible Study and Sunday school classes; Sunday services, and fellowships that God has allowed us to share with you along the way. Dear Ones, there will be no one else like your earthly father and our spiritual Father of God who made a difference in so many lives even to this day! There are tens of thousands or more individuals who are products of his ministry and his legacy (Hallelujah.. to God be the glory!). Truly, Dr. Devoe's spirit of excellence in ministry, education, and outreach brought about action in the Association and inspiration to all to get involved. It was ingenious and God-sent! With pastoral love and concern for those who he helped along life's hurried way, his dynamics in spiritual and societal issues have far surpassed all areas of leadership in ministry and human affairs, and we thank God for the experience and the gifts from the Lord he freely gave. Family, we are tremendously thankful to God to know and love this creation of God (set aside for such a time as this.. when we needed him the most) and will be in constant prayer for your continued strength in the Lord. Please know that you are loved always in this world and beyond. Ms. Eula and so many others will greet him joyfully with open arms as we will all do SOON when Jesus Christ returns. Lifting you up to the Lord who made heaven and earth earnestly and always, Etchison, Whitworth, Mitchell, and Dawkins family.

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Reverend Devoe was an influential and remarkable person. He helped myself and my family back in the late 60's. He was a man of character and strength. God bless and keep the family. Marilyn Roseboro Adams.

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Sincere Condolences to the Devoe Family.

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May the peace and love of God be with you all during your hours of bereavement. Look to the hills, for all of your help come from the Lord. Doris McKissick

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My Prayers and thoughts are with your family.May God Comfort you during your loss. Isabeller Logan Family.

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To the DeVoe family you're in our thoughts and prayers. Rev DeVoe will be truly missed. Michael & Jackie Woody

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My Prayers goes to the family Rev. Devoe was a sweet caring person 🙏🙏

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Praying your strength as you hold firm to what you know. God does not make a mistake. Reverend Devoe preached many sermons and inspired many souls around our Martin community to trust in the Lord. The Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Edward A. Johnson, pastor.

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One of my earliest memories from Shelby's earlier days was seeing the Rev. Dr. Devoe at the head of a peaceful civil rights march around the courtsquare in the '60s. His quiet persistence helped change things. I am so blessed to have known him. Pat Poston

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Dear Pam and family, my heart goes out to you, as many have already testified, your father was a spiritual leader and stalwart in the advancement of civil rights both at the local and the national level. I am sorry for you loss and I wish to share my condolences with you. Much Love, Peter M. Cabaniss

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Life is the greatest gift that has been granted to us by Heaven. Death is just a bridge to God's everlasting life. My heartfelt condelences to the entire familiy for your loss. Dr. James S. Logan | Atlanta, Georgia | loganj54@hotmail.com

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We are so sorry. Your SRP Family.

- Rebecca Cochran

Thinking of the DeVoe family during this time. Woody Shuler

- Herbert W Shuler

Sending community prayers and thoughts to the Devoe Family🙏🏽 . Denise and Ron Harrill

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Our prayers are with the Devoe family he meant a lot to me he married Gary and I 32 years ago this may 12th 1990 😢😢😢. Gary and Shirley Ruszkowski of Winston Salem Nc

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Rev and Mrs. Isaac Carter and family wish to extend our deepest sympathy to You, our Devoe Family. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Winston-Salem, NC

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God hath not promised sun without rain nor joy without sorrow. My prayers, love and support are with the family as we celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary Pastor and Freedom Fighter. May God continue to surround you with His love and peace. Rev. Elaine Ollemi

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Sending our prayers and condolences to your family who will love and miss you dearly. The Hayes Family

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Praying that God will provide the comfort and strength needed for the days ahead. Well done thou good and faithful servant. I hope that you can feel Gods love through your friends and family. Mark and Carolyn Lightfoot

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So Sorry for Your Loss of Your Father, Sending you Love and Prayers for your Entire Family.God Bless You All.Sylvia Jones and Petty Family.

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My heart goes out and my deepest sympathy to the family. My God be your Comforter in this difficult time of need. Rev. Thomas Coleman

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My sincere condolences to the Device family. I have known Rev. Devoe for many years as a Preacher of God's Word and a civil rights advocate. Mat God bless each of you during this most difficult time in your lives. You remain in my sincere prayers. Diann Tate, Morganton, North Carolina

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Dr.Devon was a general in the community and church ! So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you during your time of sadness . Walls Family

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The Greatness of Pastor Devoe can never be realized in words. He was a true pioneer for Civil Rights on ever level. He will always be honored and revered as the Spiritual Father of Cleveland County. He was always patient and kind to my god.son Josiah who truly loved him. The best honor is receiving your Crown in Glory...well deserved thou good and Faithful Servant..🌹 Bishop Sharon Martin and Family. Josiah Christian Lee💗

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Thoughts and Prayers Daphne Petty

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0ur prayers and sympathy rih Rev Devoe Constance Wilson Family And Friends

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So sorry to hear about Reverend Devoe. My thoughts and prayers for each of you. Kim Morrow Pasadena CA

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Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort. Although, I'm saddened that Rev. Devoe, is no longer with us, I realize that his assignment is complete. I will miss our weekly visits & him mean mugging me. However, I have consolation in knowing that I'll see him again. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. Velvet Briscoe

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC