The Clarkston community and its schoolchildren lost a dedicated educator when Dr. Sharon Devereaux passed away April 10. Devereaux, the only principal Springfield Plains Elementary has known in its 12 years, fell ill last week with bacterial pneumonia, her family said. The news was a shock to the family, Sharon’s brother Richard Devereaux said.
The funeral was at St. Daniel’s Catholic Church Saturday, where friends, family and fellow educators said goodbye to a woman who spent decades in the Clarkston area and left a lasting impression on her students.
‘There was an outpouring of community support,? Richard said.
Devereaux joined Clarkston Community Schools in 1986 as principal of Andersonville Elementary after leading St. Benedict School in Highland Park.
Parents will remember her dedication to her students and teachers, as well as parent volunteers at the schools. Clarkston administrators were so impressed with Devereaux’s interaction with students and parents at St. Benedict’s, they had a difficult time asking her to join them, Devereaux’s sister Margaret said.
‘They hated to take her from that school because she was making a big difference there,? Margaret said.
‘She was gifted in teacher development and working with kids.?
Leanne Moore, para-educator with the SPICE program at Clarkston Community Schools? Early Childhood Center, echoed those sentiments.
‘It’s going to be hard to replace somebody so dedicated. She knew everybody by name, she was dedicated to her staff. Those are some big shoes to fill,? Moore said.
‘She always talked about how proud she was of parent volunteers or staff at PTA meetings,? Moore said.
‘To see her feel such a sense of family with the school, it’s so typical of the type of person she was.?
Another connection Devereaux made with her students, Moore said, was bringing her Golden Retriever Barney along for the school’s annual Fun Run.
Margaret said all the school kids knew and loved the canine and she remembered the children asking her who would take care of their canine friend after asking who would be in charge of the elementary.
Margaret remembered her sister also as a wonderful host and most recently recalled a get together the two of them organized for a family member.
‘She did all the flowers, she loved that sort of thing.?
Devereaux was close to her family and friends and supportive of her sister Margaret, and younger brother Richard, the siblings said.
Sharon was also a gardening enthusiast and she enjoyed reading and watercolors, Margaret said.
Richard and Sharon each had a love of art. Richard recalled Sharon’s unwavering support.
‘She was gifted as an artist at a young age and I emulated that,? Richard said. ‘She was a truly inspiring human being, a cut above.?
Sharon Devereaux planned on retiring after the next school year and staying within the tight-knit community she loved, Margaret Devereaux said.
‘She loved her home and community. She told me how, many times, she loved the small town and the people. It was very special to her,? her sister remembered.
Moore remembered where and what she was doing when she learned of the principal’s passing. The mother of two was copying family movies to DVD. Moore was transferring the video of her son Nicholas, now a student at Sashabaw Middle School, at his fifth grade graduation ceremony.
‘There (Dr. Devereaux) was giving a speech and it seemed so ironic for them to be happening at the same time,? Moore said.
Dr. Al Roberts, Clarkston Schools superintendent, said, ‘Sharon was a tireless advocate for children and an exceptional administrator. Her passion, integrity, knowledge and commitment made her special to those of us who had the privilege of working with her.
She often provided me with advice on critical issues and she served as a role model to faculty and staff alike,? Roberts said.
Theresa Adriaens, whose daughter Megan attends Springfield Plains, said Devereaux’s dedication will be missed.
‘Dr. Devereaux was a dedicated principal and educator who cared deeply about the staff and students at Springfield Plains. She demonstrated her dedication by attending all the school’s extracurricular activities. She will be greatly missed,? Adriaens said.
Devereaux earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Detroit, her master’s from Oakland University as a reading specialist and her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in education and administration.
The American Cancer Society is one of the recipients of donations in Devereaux’s memory. She was a survivor of breast cancer in 1993, her sister said.
Memorials can also be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Clarkston SCAMP and the Clarkston Foundation.