Deverine Bell Anderson Remembered: A Life of Faith, Style, and Joy

By Christopher Tobutt

The Cayman Islands lost one of its brightest personalities with the passing of Deverine Bell Anderson (Sunrise October 6, 1955 – Sunset November 18, 2025), more recently known as Deverine Anderson. She is remembered for her radiant smile, impeccable style, unwavering faith, and the joy she brought to everyone she encountered.

Her memorial service was held Saturday at First Assembly of God, led by Reverend Torrence Bobb, where tributes poured in from family, friends, and colleagues. The closing hymn, “Oh I Want to See Him,” captured the spirit of the day — a celebration of a woman who lived with her eyes fixed on eternity.

Deverine’s story began in Jamaica, where St. Thomas was her home. She attended Morant Bay School and began her career as a teacher at Morant Bay Primary.

But her creativity and sense of fashion and style soon led her in a different direction. Moving to Montego Bay, she opened her own business, Pazuki Fashions, and quickly became known not simply as a seamstress but as a sought after fashion designer. Her work was admired for its elegance and originality, and she carried that flair for style with her throughout her life.

In 1994, she moved to the Cayman Islands, first working at Edie’s Décor. She met Thomas Anderson, and two years later, in 1996, they were married in Cayman. Together they raised two children: her daughter, Ophelia Wright, and her son, Dwayne Hariott. Cayman was also her home — the place where she built her career, nurtured friendships, and lived out her faith.

Her daughter Ophelia described her mother as her “Rock”:

“My mom – a phenomenal woman – affectionately saved in my phone contacts as my Rock – with a lot of hearts! She was my mom, my confidant, my best friend, my advisor for fashions, makeup, perfumes and life…. She prayed for me and with me through every challenge, and she celebrated all my successes as her own. It feels so surreal talking about her in the past tense, because I feel her with me every single day… She is truly in a better place (humorously) giving God ideas for Angel attire.”

Faith was the thread that ran through every part of Deverine’s life. She was deeply involved in her church community, remembered for her kindness and her boldness. Joan Johnson, speaking on behalf of her Life Group, recalled:

“I will never forget her gentle kindness and gentle care she extended to my family and me… I admired her boldness and the way she carried herself – she always remembered who she was, and more importantly, whose she was.

Her flair for fashion was more than personal style — it was a gift she shared with others. As a designer, she helped people feel radiant, and as a believer, she reminded them of their worth in Christ. Pastor Bobb titled his message A Life Well Spent:

“She was a great ambassador for Christ and for our church. Everyone spoke highly of her. She left a legacy, and let that legacy encourage each one of us.”

Her contributions stretched far beyond Sunday services. She helped organize the Singing Christmas Tree for a decade, supported International Day celebrations, and people lined up at Deverines’ and even turned car boot sales into fundraisers for the church — always giving back whatever she earned.

Professionally, Deverine was equally admired. Many first knew her during her years at Cayman Net News under Desmond Seales OBE, where she worked in advertising sales. She was a steady presence during the island’s recovery from Hurricane Ivan in 2004, her smile and positivity lifting spirits in difficult times.

For the past 12 years, she was a valued member of the Stingray Media sales team, where she became known not just for her skill, but for her warmth and encouragement.

Her colleague Chandra Guillifoyle remembered:

“We weren’t just colleagues or friends, we were family. Mrs. D was the Mama Bear of the office, looking out for us and always rooting for everyone. She never spoke badly of anyone… she saw the positive in everything and lived life to the fullest.”

Shavana Baxter recalled her first meeting with Deverine in 2019:

“From the beginning she took me under her wing and showed me the ropes… People’s faces would light up the moment they saw her. Not a single day passed without me hearing her worshipping and praising God.”

From Blake Rogers, General Manager of Stingray Media:

“Losing Deverine so suddenly has been heartbreaking for all of us at Stingray Media. She was more than a colleague—she was a friend, a steady presence, and someone who uplifted everyone around her. We will forever be grateful for the time we shared with her and will always cherish the lasting memories we each have of her.”

From Michael Keesee, General Sales Manager:

“Deverine was a blessing to work with. She cared deeply for her Stingray family, and we cared for her too. Anyone who spent time with her saw how committed she was to her clients and how proud she was of their success. It was truly an honor to work alongside her.”

Deverine Bell Anderson lived with grace, faith, and joy. She was a mother, wife, friend, colleague, mentor, and designer. She dressed impeccably, laughed freely, prayed deeply, and gave generously. She was bold yet gentle, stylish yet humble, and always ready to encourage others.

Her passing is a loss for Cayman, but her legacy is one of celebration. She leaves behind her husband Thomas, her children Ophelia and Dwayne, her family and church community, her Stingray Media colleagues, and countless clients who benefited from her dedication.

Deverine has indeed “gone to a better place”—and those who knew her can picture her now, radiant as ever, and maybe – just Ophelia said - giving God ideas for angel attire.

Caption for photos – Deverine Bell-Anderson. Various pictures with family, friends and co-workers.