Family Gives Updates On Coach Steve Deavours Endowed Scholarship

SAMANTHA, AL — The family of longtime Northside High basketball coach Steve Deavours says they are working with the University of Alabama to set up an endowment in his honor.

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As Patch previously reported, Deavours died at the age of 76 on March 4, following a battle with cancer. Over 32 years, Deavours coached the Rams on his way to a 465-340 career record, making him the winningest coach in school history.

A native of Berry, Deavours graduated from the University of Alabama in 1969 and wanted his family to establish a scholarship in his name for students at Northside High and Berry High who want to pursue careers in education.

ALSO READ: Hoops & Rattlesnake Meat: The Legacy Of Northside's Steve Deavours

Deavours' children — Steven Deavours and Lane Wiggins — said they originally wanted to give a scholarship in lieu of flowers for the 2023-24 school year. However, due to an outpouring of support from family and friends, his children are currently working with the University of Alabama to set up an endowment scholarship in his name.

"Our Dad, Coach Deavours to many of you, had a long career and touched many lives along the way," his family said. "He was an avid supporter of the school as well as a devout Christian man who loved his church, Cleveland Church of Christ. The life lessons and funny stories are abundant, and his teams won many games where he encouraged them to play the game the right way, but most importantly, he always reinforced the question, 'Is your name written in the Book of Life?'"

The family says the endowment scholarship will use the interest from the initial endowment to disburse two scholarships starting during the 2024-25 school year and every year. It also represents the very first endowment scholarship for both schools.

"We have five years to fully fund the endowment scholarship," the family said in an update this week. "These scholarships will be available to a graduating senior from Berry High School and Northside High School. Due to the endowment beginning the following school year, the family plans to give a scholarship to both schools for the 2023-24 school year."

An account has been set up for the scholarship and those wishing to donate can send funds to Wiggins or Steven Deavours

Lane Wiggins

• 16800 Deavours Drive Northport, AL 35475
• Venmo - @Lane-Wiggins

Steven Deavours

• 6901 State Highway 19 Detroit, AL 35552
• Venmo - @Coachd17
• Paypal-coachd17@gmail.com
• Cash app- SSDscholarship

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