Rev. Richard Rayfield DeVaul

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Romans 14:8

Richard Rayfield DeVaul was the first of seven children born to George Rayfield and Willie Bea Breckenridge Daval. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: George Davaul, Jake Davaul, and Patricia Harville. Richard made his transition on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Virginia.

Richard confessed Christ at a young age and was baptized by the late Rev. E. E. Spencer at the Mercy Seat M. B. Church. He was a 1961 graduate of Addison High School.  Upon graduation, he attended Alcorn State University and later graduated from Jackson State University majoring in Biology.  While at Jackson State University, Richard met and later was joined in holy matrimony to Aggie Nelson of Jackson, Mississippi, and together they had 4 children. They remained married for 24 years.

His careers include laboratory assistant at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, public school teacher in Hinds and Rankin Counties, successful insurance salesman, and small business owner.  Upon being called to the Christian ministry, he was associated with Cherry Grove M. B. Church in Raymond, Mississippi and later Greater Mount Sinai M. B. Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

In his early days, Richard found joy in playing golf, a sport that not only challenged him but also provided him with moments of peace and reflection.  His passion for barbequing and cooking in his leisure time was well-known among his family and friends.  Richard had a talent for creating very delicious meals, often becoming the heart of gatherings where his culinary skills brought everyone together.  Richard was also an avid sports enthusiast. He loved watching and attending baseball, basketball and football events, always cheering on his favorite teams with enthusiasm and passion.  Above all, Richard cherished spending time with his family and friends.  His love for them was evident in every interaction, whether he was sharing stories, offering support, or simply enjoying their company. Richard’s presence brought warmth and joy to those around him, and his legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

In remembering Richard, we celebrate a life “better than blessed” and a man who truly believed that “God is able.”   His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Richard DeVaul is survived by his loving children: Margie (Danny) Collins of Aldie, VA; Darrell (Terri) DeVaul of Frisco, TX; Reginald (Tijuana) DeVaul of Missouri City, TX; Driscoll (Kenisha) DeVaul of Brandon, MS; and Richard DeVaul Varnell of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Donald Davaul of Abilene, TX; two sisters, Deborah (Pierre) Gooden of El Cajon, CA, and Diane T. Davaul of Port Gibson, MS. He is also survived by his wife of nine years, Lora Jenkins of Oakland, CA, and a host of other relatives and friends.

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  

  John 14: 1-3

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