Jovernian Algernon Givhan

Jovernian Algernon Givhan was born in Vicksburg, MS on February 1, 1961, to Rev. William F. Givhan, Sr. and Rev. Bessie Burnley Givhan of Pontotoc, MS. He transitioned from this life on September 22, 2022, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS.

Jovernian's childhood and early adult years were spent living in Greenville, MS with his parents and siblings where he attended Sacred Heart, Ella Darling, Lucy Webb, Mattie Akin, Solomon Jr. High, and T. L. Weston. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1979. He became a member of Revels United Methodist Church at an early age where he regularly attended and served before leaving home to further his education at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. He was a spiritual-minded person who often engaged in deep thought about issues of great interest to him that others may have never given consideration. Overall, Jovernian was a very analytical person and versed on almost any subject matter that one might mention, which generally turned causal conversations with him into thought-provoking discussions.

Jovernian enjoyed traveling which led him to Baton Rouge, LA where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and Decision Sciences (ISDS-MIS) with a minor in Economics from Louisiana State University. After achieving his degree, he landed a job as an Application Analyst I at Pennington Biomedical Center and later obtained a position as a Visual Basic Applications Developer at Guardian Networks, Inc. Both jobs were in Baton Rouge, LA. He furthered his career by going to work for United Information Services, Inc. in Urbandale, Iowa where he remained until he returned to Mississippi and became a resident of Pontotoc. While residing in Pontotoc, Jovernian worked as a self-employed consultant and spent his leisure time researching genealogy to determine possible relationships with others who shared the last name of Givhan-Cameron or Terry-Burnley. His research necessitated countless hours of travel, interviews, and phone calls. He also made frequent visits to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson, MS.

Left to cherish his memories are a devoted mother and father, William F. Givhan, Sr. and Bessie B. Givhan of Pontotoc, MS; a loving brother, Reginald A. Givhan (Angela) of Jackson, MS: a loving sister, Juandalynn G. Simmons (Erik) and nephews, Adrian and Erik Simmons of Corpus Christi, TX. Jovernian also leaves behind uncles and aunts: Cecil R. Givhan (Eller) and John H. Givhan of Pontotoc, MS; Samuel Givhan (Debbie) of Monticello, AR: Cora G. Ingram (Steve) of Grenada, MS; and Hazel G. Harrell of Pontotos, MS. Also, mourning his untimely departure is his beloved dog, Jasper ("Little One"). Two brothers preceded him in death. Kenneth Burnley and William F. Givhan, Jr. and niece Olivia Givhan.

Visitation will be Friday, September 30, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Serenity-Autry Funeral Home Chapel, 248 Highway 15 South, Pontotoc,  MS.

Graveside Service will be Saturday, October 1, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Pontotoc City Cemetery, 

Serenity-Autry Funeral Home of Pontotoc, MS, is in charge of arrangements.

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