Elizabeth Opie “Bettie” Bishop Deverell | When her parents died in 1878, she was only five years old. Elizabeth was placed in the home of a family member, presumedly, in the Hatchie River bottom lands of Tipton County. According to various descendants, Elizabeth was mistreated by the lady of the house and suffered slave-like treatment. George W. Bishop, Elizabeth’s older brother, heard of the treatment at which point he went to the family and secured her release.
Afterward, Elizabeth was then placed in the home of James M. Richardson. Later, she lived with the family of Henry J. Deverell who was also of the Charleston community. While living with Mr. Deverell she got to know William Henry Deverell, son of Henry. Elizabeth and William were married on December 24, 1889. Elizabeth was only 16 years of age.
Obituary
Covington Leader August 8. 1929 Mrs. W. H. Deverell returned Saturday, after a week’s visit with relatives in Helena, Ark. Certificate of Death 48515 September 26, 1941. Covington Leader Obit: Mrs. W. H. Deverell, 68, died Friday morning at her home near Charleston after a two-months’ illness. She was born and reared in Tipton county and lived most of her life in the Charleston community. She was a member of the Charleston Baptist Church. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at the Charleston Baptist Church by Rev. L. P. Fleming. Interment at the Charleston Cemetery. Maley Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Deverell is survived by eight daughters, Mrs. W. C. Hamby and Mrs. H. B. Cothran, both of Charleston, Mrs. Mermon Hudson and Mrs. Pink Marshall, both of Covington, Mrs. S. T. Myers of Henning, Mrs. Robert Mize of Chiccot, Ark., Mrs. Jessie Figures of Memphis, Mrs. Dale Nelson of Chicago; one brother George Bishop of Covington; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Children
Elizabeth Opie “Bettie” Bishop Deverell mother to:
- Dolly Belle Deverell (1890-1958) m. J P Marshall
- Lottie Jane Deverell (1892-1961) m. Will C Hamby
- Jessie Mae Deverell (b. ~1895) m. Otcy Figures
- Ionia Deverell (1898-1970) m. Robert Mize
- Mermon Earl “Mamie” Deverell (1900-1957) m. Ovid U Hudson
- Ms. Willie “Billie” Deverell (1903-1967)
- Virginia Opal “Jennie” (Cuta) Deverell (1906-1984) m. Thomas Sabin Myers
- Etoil Ruth Deverell (1907-1959) m. Herschel Cothran
- Jewell Maud “Doll Baby” Deverell (1911-1940) m. A Frank Jones