Ayleen Graft Deaton

Ayleen Graft Deaton passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the age of 97. She was born on October 25, 1916 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi to Annie Floyd and F.B. Graft. A true daughter of the Delta, she spent her last years in Plano, Texas, close to family. However, her heart never left the Mound of Rolling Fork. A graduate of Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW), Ayleen met the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Deaton, shortly after college and they were married for 55 years. They built a family in Jackson, Mississippi with their three children, Charleen, Charles and Bernard. Dedicated to her family, she was known to her seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren as “Gan-gan.” Charlie introduced her to golf, which she enjoyed until her mid-eighties. She also had a love of music and spent many years in the choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Her family and friends will miss her gracious manner, her warm Southern hospitality, and delicious pound cake. The initial word that comes to the hearts and minds and of those that knew this remarkable lady is “kindness.” She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Charles Green Deaton, parents, Annie Floyd and F.B. Graft, and her brother, Bo Graft. She is survived by her daughter Charleen Langley (Bill) of Plano, TX, sons Charles Deaton (Tanya) of Mesa, AZ, and Bernard Deaton (Libby) of Dallas, TX, grandchildren Bill Langley (Jennifer) of Atlanta, GA, Graft Deaton (Shannon) of Queen Creek, AZ, Charles Langley (Christi) of Plano, TX, Kimberly Deaton Tainsky (Craig) of Chandler, AZ, Lee Langley (Kristen) of Prosper, TX, Allison Langley Perez (Michael) of Plano, TX, Amanda Deaton of Dallas, TX, and thirteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX. Immediately following the service will be a visitation. A burial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8 at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery, 6000 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.