Royce Unwin Deberry

Royce Unwin DeBerry was born November 8, 1953 in Jackson, Tennessee to Almeda Pauline Unwin DeBerry and Loyd Parvin DeBerry. He died November 14, 2018 at 11:53 am surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Royce married the former Cynthia Louise McCann on January 8, 1972. At the time of his death, they had been married 46 plus years. To this union was born 10 children, 9 girls and 1 boy. Alicia Mae DeBerry October 21, 1972; Angela Pauline DeBerry May 22, 1974; Amanda Jean DeBerry July 15, 1975; Royce Michael DeBerry December 14, 1976; Melissa LeeAnn DeBerry August 2, 1987; Vanessa Lynn DeBerry October 16, 1987; Kassandra Rose DeBerry June 18, 1999; Savanna Kay DeBerry August 18, 2000; Brianna Jo DeBerry October 5, 2000; Aurora Suzanne DeBerry December 25, 2000.

Royce obeyed the gospel on August 11, 1971 after he had been taught the truth by his loving mother and father. From that time forward, he had a strong desire to preach the gospel and began to prepare for that task.

Labor Day weekend of 1975 Royce started his full-time work as a preacher in Pekin, Illinois with the Pekin Church of Christ. In the spring of 1976, Royce started working with the Demotte Church of Christ while he and his family lived in Wheatfield, Indiana. In the spring of 1982, he moved his family to Indianapolis and started working with the brethren at Emerson Avenue Church of Christ and labored there until 1986. Then he started his work with the East Side Church of Christ and labored there until 2011. In the spring of 2011, recently diagnosed with cancer, Royce started Hancock County Church of Christ and faithfully worked there until he retired in 2016. Royce also held gospel meetings throughout the country spreading God’s word, his true passion.

He was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Parvin DeBerry and grandson Baby Rodney.

He is survived by his wife Cindy; his mother Pauline DeBerry; his mother-in-law Delores Elliott; his children Alicia (Curtis) Garrison, Amanda (Brad) Baker, Angie (Joe) Kmitta, Mike (Lindsey) DeBerry, Melissa DeBerry, Vanessa DeBerry, Kassandra DeBerry, Brianna DeBerry, Savanna DeBerry, and Aurora DeBerry. Twenty-four grandchildren; Bradley (Britni) Garrison, Joey (Casey) Garrison, Brent (Kacie) Baker, Lexi (Andrew) Bracken, Matthew Garrison, Kyle Baker, Noah Baker, Kellie (Justin) Carter, Jon (Anna) Kmitta, Logan Smith, Kimmie Garrison, Kennedi Baker, Andrew Garrison, James Kmitta, Jordan Garrison, Gavin DeBerry, Jada Baker, Will Kmitta, Zoe DeBerry, Kati Kmitta, Thomas Kmitta, Chase DeBerry, Jackie Garrison, and Ruthi Kmitta. One great-grandson, Ace Garrison; his brothers Loyde (Sharon) DeBerry and Darrel (Kim) McCann; his three nieces; Andrea (David) Thompson, Kellye DeBerry, and Jennafer (Chris) Reynolds; one nephew Chris McCann, and his beloved cousin Judy Holder.

Dad taught us always to put God first. His life was devoted to serving God and his fellow man in any way needed. He was a man who took his responsibilities seriously, but had an amazing sense of humor as well. He loved to joke, he enjoyed life, and adored his family. He was caring, kind and considerate. Dad never met a stranger. He will be missed, remembered and loved by all who truly knew him. As David said concerning Abner, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel”, 2 Samuel 3:38.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 19 from 3 PM to 8 PM at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (Community Life Center), 10612 E. Washington St, Indianapolis.  Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, November 20 at the Community Life Center. Burial will follow at Washington Park East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Sacred Selections in Royce’s name. The mission of Sacred Selections is to financially assist Christian couples whose hearts and homes are open to loving and raising a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord through adoption, a cause near and dear to Royce’s heart. https://www.sacredselections.org/memoriam/royce-unwin-deberry/.