Jacqueline Pittman Deaton

Mrs. Jacqueline (Jackie) Pittman Deaton, 92, of Cary, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at her residence, following a period of declining health.
Jackie was born on May 29, 1931 in Richmond, VA to the late Edwin Temple Pittman and Dorothy Smith Pittman. She completed her nursing training at the Medical College of Virginia, where she met and married Pleasant Paul Deaton, a medical student.
Jackie was passionate about art, people, and her faith. She painted the windows at the Waldensian Market in Valdese and later at the Waldensian Bakery each year at Christmas, she volunteered with school theater productions and other arts programming. A lifelong learner, Jackie attended college in her 50s, earning a bachelor's from UNC-Greensboro and her teaching degree from Appalachian State University. She went on to teach art at Western Piedmont Community College and the Western Youth Institution, a former prison in Morganton, North Carolina, that housed young offenders. She helped establish and run the Rock School Arts Foundation, bringing in artists from around the state for exhibits for years. She oversaw a mural of Waldensian history in the Rock School, engaging students to create images for the 45-foot long display. In 2007, she received the Service Above Self Award from the Valdese Rotary Club.
Throughout her life, Jackie remained a devoted wife, mother, and friend to many, while also being an active member of her faith communities in Valdese and Cary.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Temple Pittman Whittington.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Dr. Pleasant Paul Deaton of Cary, one son, David Wayne Deaton of Longmeadow, MA; four daughters; Rebecca D. Templeman, Paulette D. White, Susan H. Deaton, and Laura D. Klauke, all of Cary; 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held by the family on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at St Paul's Christian Church at 3331 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27612 at 11:00 am with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Paul's Christian Church, 3331 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 or to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Dept., 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 (transitionslifecare.org/donate).