Margaret DeVane, a cherished pillar of her community and a beacon of kindness, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 91 in Lakeland, Florida. Born on December 4, 1933, in Newberry, Florida, Margaret's life was a testament to her gentle spirit and wise heart.
Margaret's journey began as the beloved daughter of her Newberry community, where her early years were filled with the simple joys of rural life. As she grew, so did her capacity for love and her dedication to family. She was the adored wife of the late Wilbur DeVane and a nurturing mother to her daughter, Mitzi Williams. Though her heart knew the pain of loss with the passing of her husband and her dear child Timothy, she remained a steadfast source of love and support to her surviving sons, Carl, Clint, and Curtis DeVane.
Margaret was a sister, not only to her siblings but to all who knew her. While she mourned the loss of her brothers Jimmy Brown and her sisters Betty Wideman, Frances Wideman, Helen Fudge, and Shirley Wall, she found strength and companionship in her surviving brother, Ralph Brown. Her legacy continued to blossom through her 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carried a piece of her kindheartedness into the world.
A lifelong member of the Cork Methodist Church, Margaret's faith was unwavering and was a cornerstone of her existence. She served her church community with the same fervor she dedicated to her family, nurturing bonds that would last a lifetime and beyond.
Margaret's hands were rarely still, as she found joy and purpose in the art of cooking. Her kitchen was a place of gathering, where the aromas of lovingly prepared meals filled the air and where every dish was a testament to her care and attention to detail. Those who had the pleasure of sitting at her table will remember the warmth and comfort that her cooking brought to their souls.
Described by all who knew her as kind, wise, and gentle, Margaret's presence was a soothing balm in a hurried world. She navigated life's challenges with grace and imparted her wisdom generously, leaving a legacy of quiet strength and resilience.
As we bid farewell to Margaret DeVane, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, a reminder of the enduring power of kindness. Margaret's gentle spirit will be deeply missed, but her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Her journey on earth has ended, but the love she shared remains eternal. Margaret's family invites friends and family for a visitation on Wednesday November 12, 2025 at Haught Funeral Home from 9:30-10:30am. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:30am.