Mrs. Jacqueline (Jackie) Pittman Deaton, 92 , of Cary, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at her residence, following a period of declining health.
Jackie was born on May 29, 1931 in Richmond, VA to the late Edwin Temple Pittman and Dorothy Smith Pittman. She completed her nursing training at the Medical College of Virginia, where she met and married Pleasant Paul Deaton, a medical student.
Jackie was passionate about art, people, and her faith. She painted the windows at the Waldensian Market in Valdese and later at the Waldensian Bakery each year at Christmas, she volunteered with school theater productions and other arts programming. A lifelong learner, Jackie attended college in her 50s, earning a bachelor’s from UNC-Greensboro and her teaching degree from Appalachian State University. She went on to teach art at Western Piedmont Community College and the Western Youth Institution, a former prison in Morganton, North Carolina, that housed young offenders. She helped establish and run the Rock School Arts Foundation, bringing in artists from around the state for exhibits for years. She oversaw a mural of Waldensian history in the Rock School, engaging students to create images for the 45-foot long display. In 2007, she received the Service Above Self Award from the Valdese Rotary Club.
Throughout her life, Jackie remained a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many, while also being an active member of her faith communities in Valdese and Cary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Temple Pittman Whittington.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Dr. Pleasant Paul Deaton of Cary, one son, David Wayne Deaton of Longmeadow, MA; four daughters; Rebecca D. Templeman, Paulette D. White, Susan H. Deaton, and Laura D. Klauke, all of Cary; 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held by the family on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at St Paul’s Christian Church at 3331 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27612 at 11:00 am with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Christian Church, 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 or to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Dept., 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 (transitionslifecare.org/donate).
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Deaton family.
What a great lady! So filled with talent and love in her heart for everyone. I loved her!
My sincere condolences to the family. We can all be thankful here in Valdese that we were blessed with Mrs. Deaton’s life. She shared so much with so many, and her very presence radiated kindness and a joy for life that will live forever in the hearts of those who knew her. I am profoundly grateful to have been one of those people.
To Jackie, whom we have been privileged to call friend, who loved with sincerity, profound joy and genuine humility, a star among mortals:
MAY THE ANGELS BEAR YOUR SOUL TO PARADISE
MAY THE RANKS OF SAINTS AND MARTYRS COME TO GREET YOU
MAY THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS RECEIVE YOU AND LEAD YOU
THROUGH THE GATES OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
AND MAY YOU SEE LAZARUS, WHO IS POOR NO MORE
My sincere condolences to Jackie Deaton’s family. She was like a ray of sunshine to me and many others. I was fortunate enough to have a long telephone conversation with her several months ago and I was able to tell her how much I loved her. I knew her through church and I often babysat her five children, who were well behaved and fun. She was beautiful. intelligent and a very talented artist. She was one of my all time favorite people and I feel so blessed to have known her.
I miss you already Jackie but know you were more than ready to meet your Savior and your mom and dad. Peace
She made everyone around her feel special, and she lived her life being an example of joy, creativity, and love. She means so much to me and so many others. Thank you Jackie Deaton, you dear sweet lady.
What an honor to know Jackie Deaton! Even as a young girl, I loved watching her paint the beautiful Christmas murals at the Waldensian Bakery! Aa an adult, I am in awe of the countless lives she touched through her artistic talents and philanthropic gifts! Any visit to the Old Rock School and/or Burke Mission Station brings wonderful memories of an extraordinary lady who spent her life making the world a better place!
Jackie was pure grace and light. The world will not be the same without her.
Jackie loved everyone she met, and I feel honored to have known her and her family. “To have known her is to have loved her.” She shared her talents in so many ways. My girls still remember having art days with Mrs. Deaton. I am sorry that I wasn’t able to visit her since she moved to Cary. My love and prayers go out to the entire family during this difficult time.
Mrs. Deaton had a heart of gold and love for her family and town. I’ll always remember her smile. Prayers for comfort to her family.
Jackie left the world a much better place by sharing her love and talents with us. She was a devoted and selfless wife, mother, friend and teacher. She was our wonderful Girl Scout leader and friend to my family for many blessed years. Knowing Jackie has left us all better people. She will be painting Heaven with joy.
I’m thinking about the Deaton family today. As I read Jackie’s obituary, it brought back so many memories from High School days, of being in the Deaton home, and taking art lessons after school with John Brady in their living room. Jackie took me under her wing and encouraged my early art expression and creativity. We painted watercolor together many times. What a great lady she was! I remember the windows she painted at Christmas in Valdese. She was always giving, always learning. As I think back on it, I realize that she was a role model to me of how to live as an artist, with creativity, beauty, and love. May the happy memories stay with the family. All who knew Jackie were lucky and blessed. from Audrey Kincaid, 108 Glenbrook Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739. 828-551-5935.