Mr. Paul L. Devine

Paul Loris Devine was born in Canton, Mississippi on November 9, 1943 to the parents of Cleveland Divine and Cora Baker Divine. The youngest of 15 siblings, Paul was born second to his twin sister, Paulette. Paul's younger childhood years were in Canton and Sand Hill, Mississippi. After the passing of his mother, Cora, and with his father, Cleveland becoming ill, Paul and his twin sister Paulette moved to Chicago, Illinois. Paul was able to find a new home with his older brother and his wife Haywood and Gussie, affectionately known as Big Daddy and Big Momma. With the passing of his father in 1957, Paul looked at Big Daddy as a Father figure with love, respect, and adoration as Paul witnessed the tireless dedication of Haywood to his family and household which Paul was welcomed into. It was during this time Paul forged a life long relationship with his nephew Curtis Devine, son of Haywood. Paul and Curtis, who Paul affectionately viewed as his brother, were inseparable as youths growing up in Chicago. After graduating from Crane High School, Chicago, Paul joined the Army and Curtis the Airforce with Paul going to Germany and Curtis to North Dakota. Paul was not forged into battle during his military time but instead was blessed with a gift and calling that would change and shape his life forever. Paul met a fellow soldier/ friend who shared his love for fitness and bodybuilding, and knowledge, Dennis Chadwick, an accomplished missionary blessed Paul with the knowledge and blessing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Paul was baptized, May 15,1966. He loved, devoted, and faithfully committed himself to the Lord and Savior and their Holy Doctrine blessed within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After his military service, cloaked in the " Armor of Christ," the Lord sent him an amazing gift. In 1967 Paul met the Love of his life, Ernestine Taylor and his brother Curtis met the love of his life Mary, at the same time, heaven definitely blessed that date. Married the same year of 1967, Paul and Tina began a family of February 4, 1968 with the birth of their first son Paul Alexander Devine, Jr., affectionately known as Boo Boo. November 11, 1969 the blessing of LaTanya Lynn Devine was received, affectionately know as Toni. Paul was an exceptional athlete, a childhood legend for his speed, quickness, strength, and intensity. He received an athletic scholarship to Rick's College and later transferred to Brigham Young University where he played football and power lifted, displaying his quickness, enormous strength and power. Paul had powerlifting records that were untouched for over 50 years. Paul graduated with a Degree in Kinesiology, the study of biodynamic functional movement. The family then moved to Las Vegas in 1970 where Paul began his career as an educator and teacher. The family returned back to Mississippi in 1974 where Paul attended Jackson State University, Where he earned his Master in Physical Education. During this time, his youngest son was born on December 11,1974. In 1975, Paul and family moved to Southern California where they lived in numerous cities, San Pedro 1975-1980, Long Beach 1980-1987, West Covina 1987-2012. Paul worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 30 years before his retirement. It was in California that his bodybuilding became legendary. A Natural professional body builder, Paul has garnished titles such as Mr. California, Mr. America, Mr. Olympia, and Mr. Universe. His relentless dedication to his fitness passion earned him a place in the Body Building Hall of Fame. Paul was able to see the birth of his grandchildren, Kiara Imahn Devine, Madysin Talyla Jones Divine, Folasade LeReine Devine, and Kevin Isaiah Devine. Paul always loved and yearned to go back to Mississippi to study his lineage, bloodline, family. He accomplished that by moving back to Jackson in 2012. He researched and cataloged countless family members and connected the dots to uncover lost family knowledge. Paul always spoke of living his last days in the quiet countryside of Mississippi and then being laid to rest next to his father at Mt. Pisgah Church/ Cemetery. Paul literally spent his last days sitting and relishing his lakeside view. During his final days he was visited, contacted, received messages and prayers from family, friends, and loved ones. PAUL LORIS DEVINE was called home on September 26, 2024 at 4:24 AM. Paul Devine now looks over: wife Earnestine Devine of Jackson, MS; daughter, LaTanya Devine of Southern, California; son Kevin Lamar (wife Akwi) Devine of Southern California; grandchildren, Kiara Iman Devine, Madysin Talyla Jones Devine of Southern California and Folasade LeReine Devine, Kevin Isaiah Devine of Southern California;, Nephew/brother, Curtis (wife Mary) Devine of Sand Hill, Mississippi, Tommy (wife Lodena) Devine of Chicago, Illinois; Special nephew, Woodrow (wife Joyce) Lyles of Chicago, Illinois; niece from twin sister, Deddra Devine Logan of Milwaukee Wisconsin as well as cherished family, cousins, nephews, nieces, loved ones, friends, neighbor, and Latter Day Saints Brethren and Sisters.

Mr. Paul L. Devine

November 9, 1943 - September 26, 2024