Helen Deans Woodall

Helen “Nana” Deans Woodall, dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, died peacefully at the age of 92 in the early morning of Monday, April 15, 2024. Born on January 14, 1932 in Middlesex, North Carolina to Earl and Annie Deans, she grew up on the Deans family farm with her four siblings. After graduating from Middlesex High School in 1950, Helen moved to Raleigh and worked as a secretary at Merrill Lynch. While living in Raleigh, she met and married her husband, Morris Woodall, in 1954 while he was attending NC State University. After beginning their married life and careers together, they eventually moved to Clayton in 1963 where they raised their three daughters, Marie, Judy, and Joan.

An avid gardener and lover of birds, Helen spent much of her time outdoors in the North Carolina sun. As well as caring for her family, she enjoyed baking, puzzles, reading, and watching ACC basketball. Helen invested and engaged in the Clayton community as an active member of Horne Memorial United Methodist Church and the Woman’s Club of Clayton. In May of 2019, she was presented with the Certificate of Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Woman’s Club.

“Nana,” as Helen was affectionately known by all of her grandchildren, focused on hospitality and supporting her family. Helen is survived by her daughters: Marie Baker (Craig) of Durham, NC; Judy Peters (Marcus) of Hagerstown, MD; and Joan Sharpe (Kendall) of Shelby, NC; grandchildren: Claire Baker (Benjamin Rumer) of Durham, NC; Bobby Sharpe (Auriel) of Raleigh, NC; Ryan Peters of Chicago, IL; Brandon Sharpe (Lanna) of Inman, SC; Justin Baker (Eleanor) of Raleigh, NC; and Adam Peters of Falls Church, VA; and great grandchildren: Carter Sharpe, Mason Sharpe, and Hartlee Sharpe. She is also survived by her brothers, Donald Deans (Anita) and Brooks Deans (Peggy) and sister, Betty Lamm. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Morris; grandson, William Grayson Baker; her parents, Earl and Annie Deans; sister, Sue Sykes; and brother-in-laws, J.G. Sykes and Jessie Lamm.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Memory Care in Chapel Hill for their compassionate care, as well as AuthoraCare for their supportive hospice services.

A visitation for Helen will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM in the McLaurin Funeral Home Chapel. Immediately following, a committal service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, NC. Everyone is invited to a reception in the funeral home following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen's memory may be made to: Susan G. Komen (foundation for breast cancer research) and/or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America