Carroll DeVon McQueen, Jr.

Reverend Carroll DeVon McQueen Jr., affectionately known as “Von,” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and was called home just in time to join the Risen King for the Easter celebration. His passing marks the closing of a remarkable life defined by integrity, humility, and unwavering faith.

Born on December 5, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama, Von was raised in Mountain Brook, however, he equally spent his days on Belvoir Plantation in Pleasant Hill. Like a scene from a long time forgotten, it was in the fields of Belvoir where he found joy in the simplicity of the outdoors, the strength of tradition, and a lifelong love for equestrian activities. He would later inherit a part of the plantation which became his own piece of refuge and heaven on earth.

In 1966, Von graduated from Lyman Ward Military Academy. He would later serve on the school’s Board of Trustees, where he became a strong advocate for the importance of developing young men with spiritual integrity. He served his country with honor in the Alabama National Guard for six years, a quiet testament to his sense of duty and discipline. In April of 2023, Lyman Ward Military Academy recognized Von for his contributions of leadership, service and enduring legacy by awarding him with the prestigious President’s Medal of Meritorious Service during their annual Military Day.

Following graduation at Lyman Ward, Von’s academic journey led him to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he earned a degree in political science, and was a proud member of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Fraternity. While for a short time he pursued a degree in law, his heart was called to a higher purpose. He answered that call by attending the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and finished at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, dedicating his life to both the pulpit and the classroom. Over the years, he served as Pastor for several churches including First Independent Protestant, Blue Ridge Baptist, Good News Baptist, Thorsby First Baptist and Safford Baptist Church.

Von also worked as a teacher at Meadowview Christian School in Selma and was a professor at Wallace Community College of Selma and Greenville. While his work within the church was powerful—offering salvation, healing, and hope to many, it was in the classroom that he quietly transformed lives, one student at a time. He was more than an educator; he was a mentor, a shepherd of the mind and spirit.

He was the epitome of a Southern gentleman: chivalrous, gracious and steady in conviction. A loving father, a loyal husband, and a devoted man of God, Von’s influence reached far beyond sermons and scripture. He was a man whose life preached even louder than his words, touching lives with quiet acts of compassion, forgiveness and boundless wisdom.

During his last couple of years on earth, Von continued to spread the word of Jesus and enjoy the outdoors under the loving care of his son, Jonathan and daughter-in-law, Andrea, along with his faithful lab, Shadow, on their farm in Shelby County. 

Von is preceded in death by his parents, Carroll DeVon McQueen Sr., and Constance Cole McQueen, his younger brother, Charles Michael “Mike” McQueen, his brother-in-law Bill McDanal, and sister-in-law Wanda McDanal. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marydell McDanal McQueen; sons, Christopher DeVon (Lindzy) McQueen; Jonathan Arlington (Andrea) McQueen and daughter, Amanda "Mandy" McQueen (Josh) Wasden; grandchildren, Carroll DeVon McQueen, Jackson Anthony McQueen and James Owen McQueen; sister-in-law, Terry McQueen; brother-in-law Dusty McDanal; sister-in-law Kim McDanal; aunt, Mary Anne Cole, a niece and numerous nephews.

As we mourn his absence, we celebrate the fullness of a life well-lived and the legacy he left behind. Reverend Von McQueen has now taken the hand of our Precious Lord and been gently led home—where faith is made sight, where pain is no more, and where grace abounds forever. He has entered into the joy of the everlasting king, and we find peace in knowing that Heaven has gained a faithful servant and noble soul.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Light officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. Interment will follow at the Julian-McQueen Cemetery in Lowndes County. Visitation will begin at the church, beginning at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Pallbearers: Jamie McDanal, Jason McDanal, Josh McDanal, Heath McDanal, Seth McDanal and Stephen Howorth. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave,16th floor, New York, NY 10001