Ranza Raye Devereaux

August 18, 1916 - January 22, 2022

Mrs. Ranza Raye Devereaux, 105, of Oakland, California, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022. She was born in Ruston, Louisiana on August 18, 1916 and was honored by Mayor Libby Schaaf and many local news stations when she turned 105 in August 2021. Ranza attended nursing school, worked in a medical office, and hoped to one day become a nurse. Mrs. Devereaux was married to Walter Taylor Devereaux and to this union three daughters were born. She worked as a medical office assistant, as well as a clerical worker at the Oakland Army Base for many years. She loved exploring the world and had traveled to Egypt several times. Ranza was a longtime member of Beth Eden Baptist Church in Oakland, California under the leadership of Dr. A.C. Dones, Reverend Gillette O. James and Reverend Dr. Dwight Webster. She had a passion for creating beautifully crocheted afghans and garments, excelled as a poetry writer and had been published in several poetry anthologies, newspapers, and national publications. Ranza Devereaux is survived by two daughters, Marva Devereaux and Ednola Martin; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and one god-daughter. She will be greatly missed by her large immediate and extended family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be held at 11:30am, Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the Chapel of the Chimes Oakland.