Deana Sharron Gasperson

Deana Sharon Gasperson, age 73 years, passed into her Savior's presence at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, NC, on October 15, 2025. Deana was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Gasperson and her mother, Annie Lee Banks Gasperson. She is survived by her brother, R. Bruce Gasperson (wife Donna), sister, Sheila Gasperson Woody; nephews, Carl Voth and Ryan Gasperson; nieces, Paula Marcum, and Melinda Halford; several great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and a multitude of friends. Deana cherished and took pride in her North Carolina mountain heritage, being reared in a loving community in Avery's Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Deana was a graduate of TC Roberson High School class of 1970. She completed a BS degree in Teaching Home Economics from Western Carolina University in 1974; completed a masters' degree from Western Michigan University in Blind Rehabilitation in 1980; completed numerous certifications for teaching English as a Second Language. Deana volunteered her time and services as motivated by her Christian faith. She tutored many students and adults in English as a second language in Korea, Hungary, Mexico, China and in numerous programs in North Carolina. Deana's vocation as a Mobility Specialist for children and adults with visual impairments took her throughout North Carolina with the NC Services for the Blind. She taught at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh and with the Mecklenburg County School System from which she retired in 2011. Deana was an active member of many Churches and Christian organizations. In retirement she volunteered her time at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove. Her assignments including giving tours at the Chatlos Memorial Chapel as well as serving in the prayer ministry. She helped with the 106.9 FM Christian station and served as Chaplain with the Rapid Relief Program. Deana was part of the Jesus Revival in the 1970s and continued special fellowship with the members of her Christian College Fellowship, Peace One Way. She taught the Bible in numerous settings with a lifelong study of God's Word. Her praise, worship of God and love of prayer was present throughout her life. Those who met Deana were soon encouraged to receive Christ Jesus as Savior and to live in that special relationship. Deana was devoted to the United States of America, spending hours in prayer for her beloved country and working tirelessly to guarantee that voting integrity would be assured and that Christian values would guide this nation. She was instrumental to the success of the National Day of Prayer in Asheville, NC. A deep love and appreciation of Israel and its people was evident in Deana's life. She lived in Israel for 8 months and came to deeply love the land and its people. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home, 1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806. The Reverend Dr. Roger Wall will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridgecrest Memorial Park, 200 Memorial Park Drive, Black Mountain, NC 28711. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Samaritan's Purse: P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.