After a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease, our sweet mom, Betty Jo Howard Deaton of Carrollton, has entered eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Deaton, her parents, Fred and Lydia (Vinson) Howard, five brothers and four sisters, all of whom welcomed her into heaven. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
Born in Camey, TX, on August 6, 1924, she married James in 1942, when he was just beginning a 20-year Navy career. She was a faithful wife who followed him from one base to another, caring for their four children, providing a loving home, attending church every Sunday, and finding time to care for everyone. She was witty, warm, and wonderful with a wicked sense of humor. After James retired from military service, they settled in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch area, where he worked for the US Postal Service and she was a stay at home mom. Later they embarked on a real estate career together. After his death, she started a business of her own at a local antique mall where she specialized in collectible dolls; old and new, she wanted to give them all a home. She was an accomplished seamstress, and loved crossword puzzles and Judge Judy.
Betty was a good Christian woman who loved God, her family, her friends and her pets. She is survived by her 4 daughters and their families:
Cynthia Herschkowitsch (Delia & Mo Herschkowitsch-Hemlock), Valerie & John Green (Vanessa & Ray House, Stephanie Kirby and Adam & Leesa Green), Becky & Donnie Pitt (David and Vickie Pitt), Debbie & Larry Luttrell (Eric Luttrell, Matthew & Michelle Luttrell and Hillary Luttrell & Matt) and 8 great- grandchildren. Also her devoted nephew, Tommy Simmons of Kentucky, loving niece, Carolyn Johnson of Flower Mound, dear friend, Phyllis Dias, who sent her encouraging letters weekly, family friend, Gerardo Ramos, and her sweet fur baby, JB and his kitty friends. A special thanks to her caregivers: Julie, Renee, Mary and, especially Michelle, who were all so sweet and kind to her. VNA Hospice provided amazing care for her and support for the family especially Michelle, Laura, Lisa and Eugenia. We are grateful for their dedication. Our mom’s last days were difficult, and we appreciate the kindness of her many friends and caregivers.
Pallbearers for Betty: John Green, Donnie Pitt, Larry Luttrell, Eric Luttrell, Matthew Luttrell, Lennon Kirby-Rivera, Mo Hemlock, and Gerardo Ramos.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 at Rhoton funeral home 1511 S. I-35e Carrollton, Tx 75006. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 24 at Rhoton funeral home 1511 S. I-35e Carrollton, Tx 75006 with burial to follow at Furneaux Cemetery in Carrollton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the SPCA of Texas to honor her lifelong love for animals of all kinds.
SPCA of Texas
2400 Lone Star Drive
Dallas, TX 75212
