Judy Hanna Deaton

Judy Hanna Deaton, 69, died peacefully at home on October 12, 2023 after a brave and courageous journey with metastatic breast cancer.

Judy was born on November 7, 1953 in West Jefferson, NC to Jim Hanna and Ruth Williams Hanna. Jim served in Air Force for 20 years and Judy was proud of her military heritage. Growing up, she attended schools in Denver, CO, Tucson, AZ, Orlando, FL and Myrtle Beach, SC, before her family settled in Winston-Salem, NC. Judy was the big sister to Joni and created wonderful childhood memories which Joni will cherish forever. 

Judy attended West Forsyth High School and was a lifelong proud Titan, Class of ’72. Known for her delightful giggle, Judy excelled in art and music. She was a proud member of the WFHS color guard and carried the American flag for football games and other sporting events. Her love of high school never waned and she attended all class reunions. Using her creative gifts, Judy studied organ and piano, but her favorite artistic expression was drawing and painting. As a cancer patient, she created designs that were used at the Levine Cancer Institute.

Judy leaves behind her dear husband and caregiver Tim, who walked with her each and every step of her journey. Judy and Tim married in 2010 and the two of them began their life together in the shag dance world. Dancing, meeting wonderful people and going to the beach helped Judy greatly after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

Judy is also survived by her mother, Ruth Hanna, her sister Joni, daughter Ashley Garcia (Roque), son Chip Brinkley (Jen) and grandchildren Reagan, Georgia, Salem, Isabella, Harper and a new grandchild expected in January of 2024. In addition, Judy has two stepdaughters, Sage Hammonds (BJ) and Tonya Smith (Nick) and grandchildren Landon, Lawson, Harper and Tinley.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at 11:00 am at Providence Baptist Church, 5315 Hwy 49 S, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Rev. Sidney Lanier will be conducting the service.

The family is very grateful to the Dr. David Turner and the many other doctors and staff at Levine Cancer Center and Atrium Health. We are also grateful to all the many nurses and caregivers along the way, most recently Hospice of Cabarrus County. And, a huge thank you to family and friends who have visited, reached out, sent cards, prayed and offered assistance and meals. Lastly, thank you to Hartsell Funeral Home for their assistance with Judy’s arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations may be made to Judy’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the family.