Carol Suzanne DeVore

Carol Suzanne DeVore January 1, 1938 – April 12, 2025

Carol Suzanne DeVore, 87, of Phoenix, Arizona, was called home to the Lord on April 12, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 1, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Carol spent most of her life in Arizona. Her life was deeply rooted in her Baptist faith and a steadfast commitment to serving others. On November 21, 1955, at the age of 17, she married Donald George DeVore in Tucson, Arizona. Donald was a devoted Baptist minister and church planter. Together they shared 49 years of marriage and ministry—building churches and raising their children with unwavering faith as their foundation—until Donald’s passing on March 27, 2005.

Carol remained active in her spiritual community following Donald’s death. She continued to serve faithfully at Love Baptist Church in Phoenix, where Donald had once been a substitute pastor. There she taught Sunday school with heartfelt devotion and humility. Her enduring service reflected her deep love for Christ and her desire to share His teachings with others.

Those who knew Carol remember her for her quiet strength, warm hospitality, and unwavering faith. She found joy in hosting family gatherings that brought loved ones together around shared meals and laughter. Carol lovingly crocheted throughout her life, crafting a blanket for each grandchild at birth, a cherished gift she continued making until her passing. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, which allowed her to preserve and pass on family memories to her children and grandchildren.

Carol had a tender heart for animals and especially adored dogs. Her last beloved pet, Haley, came from the Humane Society—a testament to her compassion for all of God’s creatures.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Mark (Darlene), Dora (Joe), Melody (Mario), and Bryan; grandchildren: Camilla, Lindsay, Brad, Jamie, Emily, Chad, and Jodi; thirteen great-grandchildren; and sister Joy (Pat). She was preceded in death by her husband Donald and parents Rose Zimmerman and Virgil VanDewark.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society (www.humanesociety.org), Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org), or the American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org).

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care during Carol’s final days. Her legacy of faith and love lives on in all those she touched. May she rest peacefully in God’s eternal embrace.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV):