Marianne Ward Deaton

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Celebrating the life of
Marianne Ward DeatonNovember 08, 1925 - January 30, 2014

SAVANNAH - Marianne Ward Deaton ran the good race until early morning Thursday, January 30, when death kindly stopped for her after cancer had ravaged her body, but not her spirits. She died at Hospice House where she was surrounded by the love of family and friends during her final week's sojourn.

She was the second daughter born to Ernest Ward and Grace Bamforth Corrao, and stepdaughter of Charles E. Corrao, all deceased. She was the devoted wife for 56 years of William E. "Bill" Deaton, also deceased.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Ferrelle, of Savannah, her son, Mark W. Deaton and beloved granddaughter, Grace E. Deaton, of Augusta; her sister Louise Greenley of Lillian, Alabama, her stepsister Ida Hawkins of Fort Pierce Florida, and a wealth of cousins, nephews, and nieces with whom she stayed close all her life.

She earned her bachelors degree in nursing from Richmond Polytechnic Institute in Virginia and earned her R.N. while at Stuart Circle Hospital. She taught medical surgical nursing at her alma mater and also in Florence, South Carolina, and she practiced nursing in Snellville, Georgia and at Pediatric Associates of Savannah.

She was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church of Savannah where she served with inexhaustible energy as a ruling elder. For many years she also enjoyed singing in the choir, volunteering in the office, participating in fellowship activities, and taking on any projects delegated to her, including coordinating congregational care. She personified a life of cheerful service to others.

She was an avid fan of all things Atlanta Braves baseball, except for pitchers with E.R.A.'s higher than 4.0, toward whom she could be terribly critical and unforgiving. She was able to watch any televised Braves game and recall the batting averages of every player while simultaneously counting stitches sewing or rows while knitting. She probably produced more baby blankets, sweaters, afghans, and dresses for family and friends than her team produced runs, hits, and errors. She played bridge whenever an opportunity presented itself, making life-long friends and a fair share of grand slams. Crossword puzzles trembled at the stroke of her pencil.

A memorial service with reception to follow will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Avenue. While she delighted in fresh flowers to celebrate life, she suggested gifts to First Presbyterian Church of Savannah or Hospice of Savannah would be welcome to honor her values of service to others.

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GUEST BOOK

you opened your heart and home to me at a crucial moment in my journey. your children blessed my life. your memory lingers.

- tom engle, atlanta, GA

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady. I played bridge with Marianne and was extremely fond of her. She will be missed by many. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

- Lynda Ueberall, Pooler, GA

Please know that Marianne will be missed bY many including the Tuesday bridge group that she contributed so much to. She is very dear to everyone who knew her.

- Bunny Outlaw, Savannah, GA

Nancy and Mark... I am deeply saddened by the news of your Mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

- Jane Winters, Savannah, GA

Nancy & Mark, I'm sorry and saddened that we will no longer have your MOM's physical presence with us. She was very dear to me and I'm going to miss my regular conversations with her. We all will miss her but we know that she is now in a much better place and reunited with your Dad. I will pray that GOD will continue to bless, protect and watch over you during this difficult time. Your good friend, Richard Lutz

- Richard Lutz & family, Savannah, GA