Gayle Smith Deaver's Obituary
Gayle Smith Deaver, 88, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2010.
She was born October 22, 1921 in Springdale, AR to Leonard Aubrey and Florine Smith. She attended Springdale schools where she graduated in 1939 with Salutatorian honors, and in 1943 graduated with honors in Home Economics from the University of Arkansas. She was awarded the Danforth Fellowship in her junior year and the Merrill Palmer Fellowship in her senior year. She then was a member of the Merrill Palmer faculty in Detroit until her marriage to Kennedy Deaver in 1945.
She was a resident of Fayetteville, AR since 1956, and worked as a volunteer in a number of agencies, including Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, CEO and most recently with the Cancer Support Home. She was a devoted member of the PEO Sisterhood for 68 years, and a faithful member of the 1st United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. Gayle showed strength of character and a nurturing spirit throughout her life, yet had a fun and lively sense of humor in all she did. Her career and passions were always as a wife, mother, homemaker, and Razorback supporter.
She is survived by her son, Ken Deaver and his wife Sherri, of Billings, Montana; her daughter Denise Deaver Ballenger and her husband David Ballenger, of Charlotte, N.C.; her two grandchildren, Brynn Ballenger Hall and husband Elam Hall of Charlotte, N.C., and Michael D. Ballenger and his wife Amy, and their baby daughter, Ansleigh Elizabeth, all of Orlando, Florida. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, Kennedy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 1st United Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville and the Humane Society of the Ozarks.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday; July 20, 2010at the 1st United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville with Pastor Jane Butin officiating .
Visitation Date Time none Visitation Location Service Date Time Tuesday, July 20, 2010 10:00 AM Service Location First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville
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