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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo community is mourning the loss of Kristi Deerman, a cherished educator and community member who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the age of 50.

Born on Dec. 3, 1974, to Edward Earl Hollifield and Carol Ann Nelson, Deerman was best known for her role as director of Montevallo Methodist Preschool, where she poured her heart into caring for the children and families she served.

“Kristi loved her job and the precious babies that attended,” her family shared. “She had an amazing love for the community of Montevallo and especially the children in it.”

Deerman was deeply involved in her daughters’ lives and could often be found cheering from the sidelines at local sporting events. Above all, she was devoted to her faith and loved worshipping at Kingwood Church in Alabaster.

She is preceded in death by her father, Edward Earl Hollifield, and her stepfather, Oscar J. Dearman.

Deerman is survived by her loving husband, Paul Deerman; daughters, Anna Kathryn Deerman and Caroline Jane Deerman; mother, Carol Dearman; and brothers, Robby Hollifield (Angie) and Joe Hollifield (Mechelle).

A visitation was held Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at New Life Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at 11 a.m. at Pineland Memorial Park with Brother Tim Simmons officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Deerman’s memory to one of the Montevallo organizations she was passionate about: Montevallo Methodist Preschool, Parnell Memorial Library, Montevallo Athletic Club, Montevallo Elementary School PTO, Montevallo Middle School PTO or Montevallo High School PTO.