Leslie Anne Deaton

Leslie learned about God at a young age at First Presbyterian Church in Reidsville, NC. Growing closer in her walk with Jesus as an adult, Leslie counted parishioners and ministers at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro among her closest friends and advisors in her last season. Leslie was blessed to have many friends from the various aspects of her life as a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, wife, mother, volunteer, church member and guidance counselor.

Having finished her degree in Political Science at UNC- CH with Phi Beta Kappa honors in 1991, Leslie later found her true calling, completing a master's degree in counseling from UNCG. Finishing her studies in counseling with honors, Leslie used her training for good, giving from her heart in her work with young people on the cusp of adulthood. Serving as a guidance counselor for many years, Leslie provided wise and empathetic advice to scores of students at Ragsdale and Northern Guilford High School.

After the tragic death of her son, Will, Leslie seized the opportunity to speak publicly about the perils of opioid use. Leslie never allowed the memory of Will, who she affectionately called "her sun, moon and stars", to fade. She memorialized Will's early death as a compelling example of a life cut short by addiction. Still grieving the loss of Will, Leslie persevered through 15 months of treatments for advanced pancreatic cancer. Her journey sadly came to an end on August 12, 2024, just 7 days before her 55 th birthday.

During this difficult time of physical and emotional pain, Leslie was surrounded by loving family and devoted friends who selflessly supported her in every way. In addition to efforts to raise money for her care after she was forced to stop work, dear ones lived with and visited Leslie to help with medications, communication, bill pay and other necessary aspects of day to day life. Others coordinated design updates for her home, delivered flowers, sent meaningful notes, printed t-shirts & signs of support, published her story, invited her for a meal or brought food, sent texts or stopped by to leave a token at her door. The outpouring of love for Leslie was a beautiful reflection of her generous spirit.

As articulate as she was slender, Leslie responded to gestures of care and concern with beautifully-written messages of thanks. Leslie was a creative thinker and writer, channeling her imaginative energy into notes that allowed the recipient to feel the love and appreciation that she so keenly wished to express. She gave her close friends and family the gift of lavish praise, showering them with gracious compliments and expressions of affection. Leslie loved people, and they loved her well in return.

Even while she was in treatment, for fun and to further her interest in design and fashion, Leslie worked at Watkins Sydnor and Anthropologie, where her winning personality expanded her sphere of influence further. Leslie cared about art and beauty deeply, a fascination that manifested in many facets of her life.

Leslie delighted in animals of all types, leaving behind 2 dear pets - her beloved cat, Virginia and her adorable dog, Charley, who Leslie shared with her Dad. She also loved rigorous exercise at Pure Barre and long walks around Fisher Park or Pawleys Island. She adored the colors blue and pink, flowers and gardens of all types, eggplant fries from Southern Roots and 5 flavor pound cake.

Leslie is survived by her parents, William Edward Deaton and Ruth Causey Deaton of Reidsville; her brother, Edward Neal Deaton & sister-in-law, Clarence Mills Deaton and nephew, James Parker Deaton-all of Charlotte as well as her paternal and maternal (respectively) aunts, Ann Deaton of Greensboro and Joanne Causey Ratchford of Davidson. She also is survived by Dr. Bill Blaylock, her friend and former partner.

Her legacy of caring will live on through donations to the organizations that meant the most to her. Donations may be given in her memory to: Authoracare Greensboro Counseling Programs, Beacon Place at AuthoraCare Collective and the First Presbyterian Greensboro-Sid and Cathy Batts Pastoral Residency Fund.

Leslie's service of remembrance will be in the sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church- Greensboro at 2pm on Friday, August 16. For all those who choose to celebrate Leslie's life on Friday, please honor her request to dress in bright colors.