The Reverend Frederick Timothy Demps, 73, of Palatka, peacefully responded to his Savior's summons and was called into eternal rest on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Haven Hospice, Roberts Care Center, Palatka, surrounded by his wife and family. The son of Rev. Willie and Mrs. Ovelia (Watson) Demps, he was born on Sunday, August 12,1951 in Jacksonville, FL. Preaching, teaching and pastoring has been his life! He was licensed to preach at the age of 17 and ordained at the age of 19 by the East Florida and Bethany Baptist Association. He served as Assistant Pastor and as Pastor of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville for 8 years, and Pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Palatka for more than 42 years, making him one of the longest continuously serving Pastors in Putnam County. He was installed as Pastor of Calvary in May, 1977. He served faithfully in the preaching and pastoral ministry for over 50 years. Pastor Demps took God's Word seriously, especially Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them." He believed every person that he preached to was a masterpiece, a handiwork created by God and if they understood who God made them to be, they became a more valuable and productive person. His love for preaching, teaching and writing continued to be his passion during his retirement. He was actively involved in ministry until he transitioned, in spite of his increasing health challenges.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Irene Lucile Griffin-Demps, and they were married for over 55 years. They became the beloved parents of three children: Frederick, Kristie and Selena.

In addition to his parents, Pastor Demps was preceded in eternal rest by his brother, Daniel Watson Demps.

Pastor Demps leaves to treasure his love and legacy: wife, Irene Griffin-Demps; son and daughters, Frederick (Trona) Demps, Kristie (Westley) Roberts, Selena (Son) Miller; two brothers, Henry W. Demps and James A. Demps; grandchildren, Nylah, Cailin, Kevin, Kayla and Samson Timothy; nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, the Calvary family, and sons and daughters in the ministry.

If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, "I am going to the Father." -John 14:28

Jesus was speaking not only for Himself but for His followers when He said that if we loved Him, we would be glad that He was going to His Father. We naturally want to hold our loved ones close to us for as long as possible, but the Bible says that going to be with Jesus is "far better" (Philippians 1:23). Even at death's door, we sorrow not as those who have no hope.

Why should we be afraid to die? Our hope is to live by dying? Yes, we endure pain and suffering here on earth, but because of the resurrection, we'll soon have glorified bodies, free of illness. What a glorious hope and wonderful anticipation! Shift your focus today toward what's ahead! Only those who are in Christ can live assured that eternal life is theirs. Praise God for that assurance today!

"So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:

"Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Corinthians 15:54

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" Revelation 14:13 ESV.

Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 15, with a legacy celebration from 6-7 p.m., at Historic Calvary (now known as The Gathering Worldwide), 322 N. 10th St, Palatka. Celebration of Life: 10 a.m., Friday, May 16, at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 1414 Bronson St, Palatka. Rev. Dr. Eugene Diamond, Pastor, Abyssinia Baptist Church, Jacksonville, will be the eulogist. Interment: Mt. Zion/Lone Star Cemetery, Jacksonville.