Elva DeJarnett

Elva Irene DeJarnett of Marietta, GA (formerly of Metropolis, IL) died Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the age of 95. Born in Massac County, IL, on February 23, 1922, she was one of seven children of David A. and Nellie Giltner DeJarnett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Raymond DeJarnett and Arnold DeJarnett, sister Mary Evelyn DeJarnett, and sisters-in-law Elizabeth (Arnold) DeJarnett and Betty (Omer) DeJarnett. Elva was educated in the Massac County schools; was a graduate of Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, and received her Masters Degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. She taught school in Metropolis, IL, and Azusa College, CA; served as Dean of Girls at Pekin (IL) Central High School; and for many years was Director of Guidance and Counseling at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL. A lifelong United Methodist, Elva was a student of the Bible, studying constantly to strengthen her personal devotional life, and a teacher, seeking to help others in their journey toward faithful discipleship. Her scholarship led her to be a disciplined servant and tireless worker in her church, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, singing in the choir, and playing the organ for evening worship. Along with her sister Evelyn, she wrote the script for and produced many pageants and special worship events, along with the church newsletter. She also offered programs to civic clubs and service organizations, weaving together photography, poetry, and music on many subjects. Elva was devoted to her family. After losing their mother in 1937, she and Evelyn took on the management of the family home, becoming homemakers in the fullest sense while caring for their two younger brothers and their father. For decades, gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, delicious food, and games around the kitchen table. Elva especially loved time spent with her nieces and nephews, who she thought of as her own grandchildren, and their families. They adored her. Elva moved to Marietta, GA, in 2009 to be cared for by her brother and sister-in-law Lindell and Ann, and brother Gene. Later, she received exceptional and affectionate care from the staffs at Atherton Place and Ross Nursing Home. Elva DeJarnett is survived by: brother Omer DeJarnett Mt.Washington, KY; brother and sister-in-law Lindell and Ann DeJarnett of Marietta, GA; brother Alan Gene DeJarnett of Marietta, GA; sister-in-law Fern DeJarnett (Raymond) of Belleville, IL; nephew Larry and wife Mary DeJarnett, of Palm Desert, CA; nephew Donald DeJarnett of Belleville, IL; nephew Richard and wife Sherry DeJarnett of Shepherdstown, KY; niece René DeJarnett, Mt. Washington, KY; niece Jan and husband Ron Rodgers of Daytona Beach, FL; niece Joyce DeJarnett of Ocala, FL; niece Joan and husband Tom Sutton, Perry, FL; nephew Stanley and wife Kaye DeJarnett of Madison, GA; nephew Douglas and wife Susan Grove-DeJarnett of Johnson City, TN; nephew Jeffrey and wife Kibbie DeJarnett of Marietta, GA; nephew Christopher DeJarnett of Asheville, NC; and numerous great nieces/nephews; and great, great nieces/nephews. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 3, at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Marietta, GA, with The Reverend Douglas Grove-DeJarnett and Dr. Sam Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 pm in the church parlor. Inurnment will be in Metropolis, IL later in October.

Elva DeJarnett

February 23, 1922 - September 21, 2017