Barbara Deakins

1947 - 2025

DEAKINS, Barbara Mason

Barbara Mason Deakins passed away on April 2, 2025 at the age of 77. She was born on August 28, 1947, in Washington, DC to Eleanor Watson Mason and Paul Festus Mason and grew up in Queens and Long Island, New York.

Barbara earned her bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo in New York and went on to earn her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. She had a lifelong passion for learning and was an avid traveler. Barbara studied at Cambridge University, and over two decades after receiving her B.A., she returned to school and earned a master's degree in tax law from Emory University and a master's in religious studies from The Candler School of Theology.

Barbara was also well known for her elegant sense of style. She was quickly recognizable when wearing one of her many sophisticated hats, a cherished collection she curated over the decades.

Barbara's love of entertaining began at a young age. As a child, she and her two sisters performed on radio and tv in New York as a singing trio. She loved to host large dinner parties and to surround herself with family and friends.

Barbara was a long-time member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church where she taught Disciple Class and served as a trustee during the construction of the new sanctuary. She was chairman of the inaugural ball for Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta and was active in local Atlanta charities.

She is survived by her husband, Homer Deakins; her daughter, Morgan Deakins McCutcheon (R.B.); grandchildren, Mac, Henry, and Collins McCutcheon; and her sister, Reverend Diana Mason Facemyer of Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a gift to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held in the Moore Chapel at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church on Monday, April 7 at 1:30 PM.