Vera Bell Demps, 68, retired educator of St. Augustine, entered the sunset of life on November 19, 2015 at her residence. A native of Charlotte, NC, she was the daughter of Isiah Cherry and Mamie Lee (Bussey) Bittle, born on Saturday, July 12, 1947. She was a 1965 graduate of Dunbar High School (Lexington, NC). She earned her B.A., (Bennet College), M.A., (Ft. Valley State College) and Ed.D (Nova University) degrees in Education. On January 17, 1970, she was united in Holy Matrimony to James Anthony Demps, Sr. She dedicated her life's work to the field of education and taught many years in the Baldwin (AL) and Duval County (FL) School Districts. She was a former resident of Spanish Fort, AL. She served as a Deaconess at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Palatka and formerly served as the youth choir director, Black History program playwriter as well as served in the choir and willing workers ministries at Mt. Aid Baptist Church, Daphne, AL. She enjoyed singing, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories : devoted husband of 45 years, James Anthony Demps, Sr., St. Augustine; children, James Anthony (Deitra) Demps, Jr., Letitia (Kenya) Griffin, both of Jacksonville; Paul M. (Valerie) Demps, Virginia Beach, VA; mother, Mamie Bittle, St. Augustine; 8 grandchildren, Brittanie, James A. III., & Evan Demps; Alex, Dylan, and Kylie Griffin, all of Jacksonville; Jacob & Jade Demps, both of Virginia Beach; uncle, Clarence Bussey ; brothers-in-law, Rev. Frederick T. (Irene) Demps, Palatka ; Henry (Gwendolyn) Demps, Jacksonville: and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 10-11 a.m., with a Homegoing Celebration commencing at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 24 at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1414 Bronson Street, Palatka, Reverend Frederick T. Demps, Pastor. Reverend George E. Collins, Pastor of Mt. Aid Baptist Church, Daphne, AL, is the Eulogist.

Interment will be at 9 a.m., Wednesday, November 25 in the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL.