Dorothy M. DEAL

WILLIAMSBURG - Dorothy Marie Deal, 76, of Williamsburg, Va., left this world peacefully on Sunday, Oct, 3, 2010, at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was born in Williamsburg on July 26, 1934, the only child of James Washington Frazier and Bessie Reynolds Frazier, both of Lynchburg, Va. She spent her childhood growing up on South Henry Street, where she walked to classes at nearby Matthew Whaley School. She later met her husband, David Deal, at the Williamsburg Theater while attending a movie; he was working as an usher. They married on March 27, 1951, and moved to Washington D.C., where David served in the Virginia National Guard. While living in Washington, Dorothy gave birth to a daughter, Debra Ann Deal. Shortly thereafter, on April 20, 1952, the three moved back to Williamsburg to establish a permanent home.
Dorothy was known for giving generously of herself to others. She had a particularly soft heart for children, and enjoyed spending weekends and holidays with family and friends. She looked forward to frequent gatherings at her "breakfast club," which met most mornings at a local restaurant. She spent time during her later years traveling with her husband, and she was well-known, among friends and family, for her timely and personalized thank-you cards, which often arrived in the mail within one or two days of her receiving a gift or service.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, David Lee Deal; her daughter, Debra Deal McGee of New Kent County; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father; her mother; two aunts; and a cousin.
The family will receive guests from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Bucktrout Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Bucktrout on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m., with a graveside service to follow at Williamsburg Memorial Park. Refreshments will follow at a location that will be announced after the graveside service. Those who have further questions about the location or specifics of the services, should contact Bucktrout Funeral Home at (757) 229-3822.
As a token of remembrance, the family requests that any who knew Dorothy spend a few moments this week doing a kindness for a member of their family, as this was the example Dorothy set with her own loved ones. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Hartle, for the compassion he showed to Dorothy during her illness; Betty Croswell at Salon 109, for being Dorothy's friend as well as her hair-stylist for the last 30 years; and the doctors and staff on the third and fourth floors at Sentara WRMC, who showed exceptional kindness and empathy to Dorothy and her family this past weekend.
Dorothy's life was a quiet inspiration to all who knew her. Her selfless service as a daughter, wife, mother, grandparent, and friend will be an example that will light the way for generations to come.
"Each life that touches ours for good, reflects thine own great mercy, Lord
Thou sendest blessings from above, through words and deeds of those who love.
When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us, dear Lord, nearer to thee."
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