Alita Whisnant Deberry

Mrs. Alita Whisnant DeBerry, 86, of Nesbit, MS passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto, located in Southaven, MS. Mrs. DeBerry worked as a newspaper columnist for twenty-seven years at various local papers including the Commercial Appeal, Winona Times, Atlanta Constitution, and the Carthaginian. She was also a Jehovah’s Witness and loved sharing her faith and teachings with fellow witnesses and surrounding communities. Mrs. DeBerry began studying with the witnesses at the Kingdom Hall when she was eight years old and from there her faith blossomed.

Outside of being a journalist and witness, Mrs. DeBerry was a very spirited and unique woman. She loved to travel anywhere possible and gain new memories and experiences. She never limited her distance of travel to just local surroundings and could often be found traveling abroad, having even visited South American and London. Mrs. DeBerry enjoyed gardening, reading nonfiction and history novels, and watching educational and nature documentaries. She also loved watching the television show ‘What Not to Wear’ and shopping at various thrift stores.  She enjoyed pampering herself whether it was buying a new piece of jewelry or visiting the nail salon to have her nails painted. Mrs. DeBerry was an excellent chef, who made the best biscuits and gravy. She also possessed the skill of sewing and made a wonderful seamstress.

Mrs. DeBerry truly was a one of a kind woman and her personality definitely stood out. She was extremely sharp minded and always interested in numerous subjects. She had a great sense of humor and was very witty, often using a lot of word play when joking with others. Mrs. DeBerry was kind, loving, thoughtful, and generous to a fault. She was a brave and strong individual with a beautiful voice that never quivered no matter what trials and tribulations she faced.

Above all else, she was a loving and attentive mother. She taught both of her daughters how to be true ladies and maintain their femininity, while also being unafraid to stand their ground and uphold their morals. Mrs. DeBerry left a very strong impact during her time on this earth and will be greatly missed by those whom she shared her life with.

Mrs. DeBerry leaves behind her two daughters, Lisa DeBerry Wilson of Memphis, TN and Stephanie DeBerry of Nesbit, MS; one sister, Katie Carrigan of Alta Vista, VA. Mrs. DeBerry also leaves behind a host of loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-two years, H.R. DeBerry; her parents, George Houston and Mildred Doster Whisnant; one brother, Dan Whisnant; and two sisters, Dorothy Clark and Linda Whisnant.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and memorials in honor of Mrs. Alita Whisnant DeBerry, be made to Worldwide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Attn: Accounting, 900 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-5200).

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 1, 2018 beginning at 2:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (2575 US Hwy 51, Nesbit, MS. 38651).

Arrangements made by Twin Oaks Funeral Home (662) 349-9720.