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Sandra Deal Obituary
A 15-year veteran of teaching language arts in Hall County, she committed to touring Georgia's classrooms and reading to students after her husband Nathan Deal was elected governor in 2011.
During eight years in the Governor's Mansion, she completed her commitment, having read to students in all of Georgia's 159 counties, including more than 1,000 schools and pre-K programs. She also oversaw donations of thousands of books, and advocated tirelessly for Georgia's students to get the resources they needed.
Sandra Deal was born Emilie Sandra Dunagan in Gainesville, Georgia, on Feb. 1, 1942. She attended Georgia College and State University at Milledgeville, earning a bachelor's in elementary education in 1963 and a master's in elementary education in 1968. She married Nathan Deal in 1966.
Read more about Sandra Deal on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Deal
38 Entries
charles candler sadler
November 6, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
charles candler sadler
November 6, 2023
as a proud graduate of Stetson University and conducting much of my studies at the JESSE-BALL DuPONT Library I majored in History. I had the honor of knowing Lisa Carlton who served in FLORIDA government. her relative was Governor of Florida during the 1930s.
Miriam M. Stokes
August 30, 2022
Sincere condolences to former Gov. Nathan Deal and family on the passing of his beautiful and gracious wife, former First Lady Sandra Deal.
Paula Wallace, SCAD President and Founder
August 29, 2022
Sandra Deal´s lifelong work as an educator and advocate is forever imprinted in the hearts of Georgians who immensely benefited from her good works. It was an honor to welcome her to SCAD on multiple occasions, with her warmth, grace, and encouragement always leaving a lasting impression.
I extend my deepest condolences to Nathan Deal and the family. The light of Sandra´s beautiful life will forever shine in the hearts of her dear loved ones and in the lives of the countless students, families, and educators she uplifted through her impactful work.
Stephen Hart
August 28, 2022
I will remember your warmth and hospitality to us Georgia librarians when we cataloged the book collection at the Governor's Mansion, and for coming to my library to participate in a special storytime; you made it about the event and not yourself. Thank you and godspeed.
Tiffany DeLoatch
August 27, 2022
To The Deal Family,
I am just so sorry for your loss of this Remarkable, Loving, and Inspiring woman. Mrs. Deal has inspired us all for the better. Keep the Deal Family in my prayers and always in my heart.
Patricia Murphy
August 27, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family of this beautiful, kind former teacher who seemed genuinely concerned about children and others. I never met her, but as a public school system employee , I recall thinking she was a great role model, servant leader, and First Lady. May the Lord God comfort you all.
Tammy Slay
August 26, 2022
To Governor Deal and family:
I would like to convey my deepest condolences on the loss of Sandra. I had the pleasure of meeting her twice. She was a very gracious and sweet lady and she is my favorite First Lady of Georgia. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.
Marcia Stokes
August 25, 2022
Sandra was such a sweet lady who I enjoyed knowing and working with at NHHS. I am so very sorry for the family's loss of their matriarch. May God bless you all.
Renee M. Jones
August 25, 2022
Renee M. Jones
August 25, 2022
Renee M. Jones
August 25, 2022
Renee M. Jones
August 25, 2022
My condolences to you Governor Deal and your family. Attached is a beautiful memory of Mrs. Deal's love and commitment to children.
Don and Linda Pearson -Tifton, Ga.
August 25, 2022
Governor Deal,
Linda and I send our heart felt sympathy in your loss of Sandra. She was a true Southern Lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
You will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Don
Charles and Linda Jarrett
August 25, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss of such a Great Lady. May God bring strength and comfort to your family.
Renee M. Jones
August 25, 2022
God Bless Mrs. Deal. I had the opportunity to meet & speak with the First Lady twice! Mrs. Deal was so encouraging and told me I was doing a good thing helping Parents teach their children how to read. I first met Mrs. Deal at the Governors' Mansion Christmas Open House in 2017 and then at the Capitol at a Georgia Reads event. I was so excited when Mrs. Deal said she read my book cover-cover!
I listened to tributes on the news and I realized she treated EVERYONE like they were special. I am so sad for all of our loss but soooo blessed to have been in her presence. I will remember her smile and her grace.
Nancy Clark
August 25, 2022
A number of years ago I wrote Mrs. Deal, mother to mother, for help for my daughter. Because of her help, I believe she saved my daughter´s life. Sometimes there are no words to express how we feel, but the closest one to me is grateful. I was grateful when she helped and will be grateful to her until the day that I die. My sympathy to her family.
Betty Deadwyler
August 25, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with you Nathan. She was a lovely and gracious lady and her legacy will be remembered for many years to come.
Allan Deal, Patricia Deal, Greg Deal, Alex Deal & Tammy French
August 24, 2022
The Deal family of the late James Foy & Glenna Deal sends our sympathies to your family. Sandra was the sweetest, most caring person. Always wonderful to visit with when she and Nathan would come to visit my late Grandparents. The world is going to be missing a wonderful person. Sending love and prayers to all of the Deal family during this time of loss.
l Mrs Larry Brightwell (Belle)
August 24, 2022
Have fond memories of ATO fun &being with ya'll thru the years.
Linda and Buddy Harden
August 24, 2022
Nathan, we were so sorry to hear about Sandra.
She was such a smart and talented lady. We love you both. We will never forget our over night in the mansion where y´all were great hostesses.
Such memories!! Praying for all of you.
Judy Adams
August 24, 2022
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of such a talented, empathic lady. Sandra carried herself with such dignity and grace and always had time for those in need. My heart and spirit are in prayer for God´s comfort for the family in a time of sorrow. She now joins "a great cloud of witnesses".
Connie F. Smith-Lindsey
August 24, 2022
Condolences to Governor Nathan Deal and the family of former First Lady of Georgia Sandra Deal. It was important Mrs. Deal to do her part to support public health programming for "safe sleep" for all babies in Georgia. She showed up for the public health education with partners and her presence made a difference. She always greeted you with a big and pleasant smile at public events ~ no matter the political topics. Rest in power, Mrs. Sandra Deal!
Tracy Aikens
August 24, 2022
Such a beautiful woman inside and out!! Heaven has a new educator for our little ones awaiting her arrival.
God blessed you Sandra
Thank you to the Deal family for sharing this shining star.
Alvin C. Harmon
August 24, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Patsy Self
August 24, 2022
My Deepest Sympathy for the Family. Mrs Deal was a Beautiful, Gracious Lady, her warm Smile said it all. Mrs Deal was a wonderful First Lady with a true Heart for the People of Georgia she served as the wife of Governor Deal. May you Rest in Peace.
Susanne Buchanan
August 24, 2022
My sympathy to Nathan and their children. She was a true Southern Lady.
Cynthia Cox
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed meeting Sandra at the HCMG Expo as she and Nathan met up with their dear mutual friends. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved her. What a legacy she leaves for her family and the entire state of Georgia. Thank you for a life well lived. She´s in Heaven now sitting near Jesus, maybe reading him his favorite book, the Bible!
Hope Hartley Testement
August 24, 2022
Sandra was a great colleague at North Hall Middle. She never showed frustration with students or others. She taught with compassion and understanding. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
Aline Deal Davis and Davie Davis
August 24, 2022
Sandra was a beautiful lady inside and out. We know she will be greatly missed. Prayers for Nathan and children and grandchildren.
Hugh and Kay Deal
August 24, 2022
Nathan so sorry to hear about Sandra. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family.
Mary Eleanor Wickersham
August 23, 2022
Much sympathy to Gov. Deal and the family. She boarded with my grandmother during her student teaching days. We thought she was spectacular and she was. She made a great first lady.
Virginia C Ray
August 23, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the Deal family. Sandra was a gracious and wonderful lady in all her many undertakings. She will be greatly missed.
Jean Stringer Lewis Priest
August 23, 2022
A remarkable lady and friend who hosted well with charm and grace our group from First Baptist Church Gainesville at the mansion. Sincerest condolences.
Steve Williams
August 23, 2022
Mrs. Deal had a servant's heart that transcended political parties. Prayers for Gov. Deal and family and may Mrs. Deal rest in His eternal peace.
Ken Hardy
August 23, 2022
I did not personally know Mrs. Deal, but she set an example of trying to leave the State and world a better place, my she RIP
Linda Stallings
August 23, 2022
I was a flight attendant on a flight from Munich to Atlanta that you and Sandra were on. I told you that you had given mother Dorthy Benson a senior of Georgia award. Sandra jumps up and said "we have to make a picture together" which we did and I have always cherished it. R.I.P. Sandra
Gail LaBerge
August 23, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the family, she was a Lady always, and understood how valuable knowing how to read would be in a person's life.
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
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