Wilma Elizabeth Deaton's Obituary
Deaton, Wilma Elizabeth-poet, artist, and devoted wife and mother to three-went to be with the Lord May 1, 2013 in Tyler, TX. Wilma was born in Madisonville, KY, and spent her younger years in Danville, KY. As a girl, Wilma rode horses, loved to swim, and learned to fly an open cockpit Waco biplane. Wilma’s accomplishments continued throughout her life, both personally and professionally. She was awarded medals in tennis, and quickly discovered her talents in painting and drawing. She pursued her artistic talents at Center College and the University of Louisville, where she majored in art. It was while working as secretary to the president of a bank that she met Warren C. Deaton, whom she married on July 25, 1946. They eventually moved to Texas, where Wilma raised three children and served as a leader of the RH Dedman Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Club and Dallas and Waco Garden Clubs. Forever the artist, she spent her free time painting, drawing, writing poetry, knitting, and sewing. Her art drew the attention of Don Josey and the mayor of Carrollton, who both commissioned Wilma to paint scenes of their beloved city. During their later years, Warren and Wilma traveled the country, spending most of their final years together in Dallas, Durango, CO and Tucson, AZ. Their Southwestern travels inspired even more creative interests in Wilma, who added pottery, beadwork, and hand woven pine-needle baskets to her list of skills. Above all of her interests, however, was her love of God and the Christian faith. Wilma was a lifetime member of the Baptist Church, ultimately serving the First Baptist Church of Argyle. Her poetic voice sang loudest in church, as she contributed a poem a week for at least the last five years of her life. Her poems are now read directly to the Lord. Wilma is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tom Elliott of Argyle, TX, along with their daughter, April Elliott and her family David Rybarczyk and Harper Elliott, who live in Denver, CO. She is also survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Karen Deaton of Tyler, TX, and their sons Christopher Deaton and his family Kimberley, Natalie, Brandon, and John, who live in Houston, TX; along with son Joshua Deaton of Tyler, TX and his son Elijah. Wilma also leaves behind daughter-in-law Angela Deaton of Carrollton, TX, wife of Warren C. Deaton III, who passed away January 2, 2010. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at First Baptist Church Argyle. A reception will follow the ceremony. Flowers may be sent to First Baptist Church Argyle at 414 US Highway 377, Argyle, Texas 76226.
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