A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Shuqualak Christian Church (formerly Shuqualak Methodist Church). The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. before the service. A burial will follow at Shuqualak Cemetery. Pastors officiating the services are Jared Glover, Steve Reynolds, Bill Ross, and Derek Wilson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parklane Academy, 1115 Parklane Road, McComb, MS 39648.
Christopher was born on September 2, 1992, in Amory, Mississippi. He attended Central Academy from K4 through twelfth grade where he was well loved by his peers. He always brought laughter into every room, even the classrooms. He was known for his outgoing personality, friendly and sweet spirit, and witty humor.
After graduating from Central Academy, Christopher attended East Central Community College and participated in the show choir where he had the opportunity to sing backup to Kenny Rogers in concert. He later attended the University of Mississippi where he continued to lead while serving as a senator for the student body. He loved his Rebels, and his favorite memory was witnessing the goalposts come down after their stunning football victory over Alabama.
Once earning his degree from the University of Mississippi, he began coaching and teaching junior high school at Parklane Academy in McComb, Mississippi. He carried his shenanigans with him and was well-loved by all the students and staff.
While Christopher was full of humor, he was serious in his faith. He gave his life to Christ on August 1, 2002, and stayed committed to being a bright beacon for his Lord and Savior. He was proud to share his faith and talents as he sang in church and was in the process of helping found a new church in McComb. Christopher was scheduled to preach the Wednesday night service at New Vision Community Church before he became ill.
Once Christopher became sick and fell into his coma, the strong and faithful relationships that he had built were evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from his friends and family during his illness. The last devotion that Christopher read on the morning of September 29, 2015, contained the verse, “The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Revelation 4:3). He will forever be a rainbow that shines like an emerald.
Christopher held his family and friends close to his heart, and he was a consistent voice that they heard daily. He was quick to call his momma several times a day to find out what was going on with the family or even just tell her that he loved her and missed her. The last weekend Christopher was home he went to each of his siblings’ rooms to say goodnight as he always did.
He is survived by his parents, Tol and Sheila VanDevender and Chris and Tia Newman; his siblings, Cole and Erin Newman, Jack and Sarah Helen VanDevender, and Elizabeth VanDevender; his nephew, Dean Christopher Newman; his grandparents, Bobby Joe and Nancy Weaver, Janie Fay VanDevender, and Owel and Carol Newman; his uncles and aunts, John and Pam Norris, Jean Taylor, Joy Marro, Bob and Lisa Weaver, Jim and Kathy Bradford, Marvin and Holly Wiggins, and Bobby VanDevender; and his cousins, Sarah Norris, Wyatt Norris, Lonnie Taylor, Justin Marro, Ziggy Marro, Matthew and Charis Wiggins, Jonathan Wiggins, Janie Wiggins, and many others.
He is preceded in death by his two grandfathers, Bobby Presley and Robert VanDevender; and his two uncles, Ralph Taylor and Mark Marro and his cousin, J.C. Weaver.
Well done thy good and faithful servant!