Sophronia Dever

Sophronia Phares Dever, 82, found eternal life on January 26, 2024 surrounded by her family.  Sophie was born to the late Burl and Eunice Fisher Phares on February 12, 1941 in Charleston, WV.  When Sophie was a teenager, her family relocated to Hilliard, OH where Sophie attended Hilliard High School, was a cheerleader and dancer, and met her future husband and one true love, Gary Dever.

Following high school graduation in 1958, Sophie attended The Ohio State University and graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree in education.  Sophie and Gary were married on September 3, 1961 and resided in Hilliard where Gary farmed and Sophie was a beloved teacher for 36 years in Hilliard City Schools, mostly at Brown Elementary.  She was a member of the Child Conservation League and PTO in the course of her career, and also worked summers at the Franklin County Fair office for many years.  

Family was Sophie’s top priority.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, and caregiver to many elderly relatives when they needed her most.  Family gatherings were frequent and included beautiful holiday celebrations, pizza nights just because and everything in between.  Sophie was actively involved in her children and grandchildren’s daily lives and always there for their endless activities, evening walks, and to lend a hand or ear no matter what the situation.  She was a supportive and caring friend to many, and was never too busy to call or send a card when she knew someone was struggling.

Sophie loved beautiful things and had an attention to detail that could be matched by few.  She loved fashion and was beautifully dressed with lipstick on no matter what she was doing.  Her home was immaculate, perfectly decorated, and reflected her love of all things blue.  She enjoyed watching gymnastics, figure skating, and dance, loved music, and was an avid reader when she had time.

Sophie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gary Dever, daughter Gay Sowers (Wayne Hummel), sister Mary Kay Swindler, grandchildren Brandon and Dylan Sowers and Jordan and Brooklyn Dever, great granddaughter, Mary Lee Sowers, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her parents, son David Dever, and her sister, Barbara Jo McComb.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 (www.dementiasociety.org) in Sophie’s name.  A celebration of life for Sophie Dever will be held Sunday, June 30 at Brown Township Town Hall, 2495 Walker Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 from 1-4 PM. The celebration will be informal and is open to all who knew Sophie to come share their memories and friendship with the Dever family. Light refreshments will be provided.