Deanna Darleen Stewart entered eternal rest on September 13, 2020 at the age of 72. Born in Bryan, TX on October 18, 1947 to Arthur Porter Gillaspy and Johnnie Darleen Walker; she now reunites with her parents; her brother in law, Roy Arce; her younger Brother, Arthur H. “Chip” Gillaspy; and her youngest daughter, Ashley M. Stewart.
Deanna is the eldest daughter of the late Arthur P. Gillaspy Jr. and Johnnie D. Gillaspy. She has two younger siblings, Dinah and Arthur “Chip”. She lived in a number of places due the relocation demands of her father’s job, but always considered herself a true Texan above all else.
She attended Texas A&I University at Kingsville, Texas where she earned her Master’s Degree in Music. After completing her education, she taught music to elementary school children in south Texas prior to entering the United States Navy, earning her commission and beginning her service as an Ensign. She served in numerous communication and administrative billets, with various units throughout her twenty years of active service. She achieved the rank of Commander prior to retiring. Her personal awards consist of (1) Defense Meritorious Service Medal, (1) Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, and (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
She had many passions during her life, the biggest being her family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and wife. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending all her available time with them. Extremely protective of her children, she would spend countless hours every evening shuttling her children from one extracurricular activity to another, only to then spend countless additional hours assisting them with homework while simultaneously preparing dinner every evening. Besides enjoying time with her family, she had a passion for creative cooking as well as sewing, just to name a few of her other favorite past-times.
Deanna leaves behind to cherish her memories her husband William J. Stewart, daughter Jamie D. Elliott, husband Wes and their children Madison (6) and Dean (9); her son William L. Stewart, his wife Stephenie, and their twin daughters, Paislee and Bailee (4); her younger Sister, Dinah and her daughters Tessa Arce and Tara Montalvo and her husband Rudy with their two daughters, Bailey and Avery.
The family will be receiving guests at the funeral home on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:00am with a celebration of her life at 11:00am. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. For tributes please visit the online guest book.
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