Evelyn Frances Dievert

Evelyn Frances Dievert (née Jenkins), affectionately known as Meemaw, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at Copiah Living Center in Crystal Springs at the age of 92.  Born in Tennessee on Jan. 1, 1932, Evelyn’s life was marked by her kind spirit, joyous heart, and unwavering dedication to her family, neighbors, and friends.

Evelyn’s early career began in a Nashville pharmacy as a soda jerk and girl Friday, where she met her future husband, Warren Dievert.  In 1952, the couple married, eventually moving to Kentucky.  The family’s next relocation brought them to Ashland, where Evelyn found employment at the Wurlitzer Piano Company in Holly Springs.  With her family’s final move to Hazlehurst, Evelyn took a position at Copiah Medical Associates, where she worked for a few years until retirement.

Throughout her life, Evelyn was committed to providing for her family and supporting their educational pursuits.  After turning 60, Evelyn achieved licensure as an emergency medical technician, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning and helping others.  She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, where she enjoyed her involvement with the Vota Vita women’s class.  Her other ministry activities through the years included teaching Sunday school and leading mission-minded groups of the Girls Auxiliary (GAs), which allowed her to touch the lives of many young girls throughout every community where she resided.  Her life verse was Philippians 4:13, which she exhibited in word and deed.

Evelyn’s hobbies included sewing, listening to Gaither music collections, collecting and trying new recipes, and offering words of encouragement through hand-written notes and cards. Her culinary skills, particularly her apple pies and Sunday pot roasts with homemade yeast rolls, were legendary within her community and among the pastors who enjoyed her hospitality.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Grady Sr.  and Nora Jenkins; her husband, Warren Dievert; her daughter, Rita David; and several siblings, two sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, Madonna Reed; grandchildren, Lacy Reed, Delisa Reed, and Delaney Warren (Bill); three great-granddaughters, Katlyn, Kayleigh and Josie; her sister, Helen Hill; son-in-law, Richard David; and sisters-in-law, Bettye and Peggy Jenkins.

A family farewell memorial celebration will be held this fall in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, honoring her wish to donate her body to the UMMC Body Donation Program.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the UMMC University Transplant Guild and designated in memory of Evelyn can be made online or mailed to: UMMC Fund/University Transplant Guild, Attn: Div. Development Accounting, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216. For further details, please contact Becky Turner at [email protected] or Jennifer Humphries at [email protected], or call 601-984-1770. All contributions are tax deductible. Online link is www.umc.edu/transplant_guild/university-transplant-guild-home.html.