Amy Jean Deer

Amy Jean Ellenberger Deer, born on June 10, 1965, in Watertown, SD, to Larry Gene Ellenberger and Lucille Helen Fuchs Ellenberger, died on January 30, 2025, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who brought warmth and love to all who knew her. Amy was 59 years old at the time of her passing.
A Registered Nurse by profession, Amy devoted her life to caring for others, both in her work and in her personal life. Her compassionate nature and gentle spirit touched the lives of many, offering comfort and solace to those in need.
Amy was a woman of faith and a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod where she found joy and fulfillment as the church organist. Her love for Jesus was evident in all facets of her life, guiding her choices and actions.
She shared a love for the U. S. Coast Guard with her husband, Joseph E. Deer III, with whom she spent 36 wonderful years. Together, they enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska, traveling, and tending her plants, creating cherished memories along the way.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on April 26, 2025, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 916 Centerville Turnpike N., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Her visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with her reception to follow the service from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. The service will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/@resurrection lutheranchurch4877?si=m-WJSFwWvCLnCJ7G.
Flowers can be ordered through Ian Florist, 757-434-0790, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church at https://www.builtonjesus.org. Acknowledging Amy's love for Jesus and the gift of music, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Luther Preparatory School's "Magnify Music Center" campaign (https://community.lps.wels.net/), 1300 Western Avenue, Watertown, WI 53094; Martin Luther College (https://mlc-wels.edu/donate/), 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm, MN 56073; or Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (https://www.wisluthsem.org/friends/give/), 11831 N. Seminary Drive, Mequon, WI 53092.
Family was at the heart of Amy's world. She adored her children and grandchildren, taking great pride in each of their accomplishments. She is survived by her parents; her devoted husband, Joseph E. Deer III; her daughter, Hannah Liberty Deer; and her three sons, Joseph Paul Deer (Kathleen), Nathan Eric Deer (Ashley), and Caleb Edward Deer. She will be dearly missed by her sisters, Pamela Schleg (Fred) and Kristin Snyder (Chris); and her cherished grandchildren, Kaylee Deer, Rose Deer, JP Deer, Mathias "Ty" Deer, Isaiah "Zaisah" Deer, and Amy Grace Deer, born the same day her grandmother, "Oma", went to be with her Lord. Her legacy also continues through several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who were blessed to know her.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is assisting the Deer family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Amy, please visit our Tree Store.