Ruby Goldean Deal
February 17, 2015
Date of Service: February 21, 2015
Interment Location: Garden of the Last Supper
On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, Mrs. Goldean Deal, age 93, went to Heaven to be reunited with her husband, Herfel J. Deal, and her son, James R. Deal. In addition to her husband and son she was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Johnson and Nina Lavona Shelton Johnson Green and her brother, Lewis Johnson. She is resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She was born in the Chuckey Community of Greene County although she lived most of her life in Elizabethton. She was a graduate of Elizabethton High School, where she was the first drum majorette, marching all four years of high school and for two years after graduating. In 1942 she and Herfel were married, and although she worked at the phone company, her proudest accomplishment was as his wife of 46 years until his death in 1988, and as a homemaker who was, incidentally, also a wonderful cook. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Goldean was an active and loyal member of First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton for more than 70 years. She was a dedicated member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (now known as the United Methodist Women) and served the organization as president from 1968 to 1971 and again from 1979 to 1982. She was awarded a special recognition pin by the WCSC in 1971 for her committed and faithful service to the organization and the church. She was a member of the Kings Daughter’s Sunday School Class and the Runabouts Senior Organization. She enjoyed traveling and two of her favorite trips were to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia with other church members. She loved to line dance and was a member of the Elizabethton Senior Citizens Line Dancing Club. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Friends of the Library, the Elizabethton Women’s Civic Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary where she volunteered as a Pink Lady. She also served as an election worker with the Elizabethton Election Commission.
Goldean leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sister and dearest friend, Imogene Markland, of the home; her daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Glenn Bettis, Dandridge; her son and daughter-in-law, David and Nancy Deal, Bristol; three granddaughters, Amie Williams and her husband, Mike, Elizabethton; Jennifer Treadway, Raleigh, North Carolina; Jodi Grutz and her husband, Anthony, Richmond, Virginia; two great-grandchildren, Sydney Curtis, Raleigh, North Carolina; Jacob Williams, Elizabethton; a step-great granddaughter, Allison Williams, Johnson City and another sister, Sharon Green Adams, Johnson City. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and a special friend, Martha Epperson, also survive.
A graveside service and interment will be conducted on Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 am at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Rev. Raymond Amos, Sr., officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews, Doug Deal, Mark Deal, Roger Deal, Gary Johnson, and her special friends Johnny Crockett, Ron Laws, Don Cooper, Richard Grindstaff, John Stanton, Dave Wortman and Bob Schaff. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home 9:45 am to go in procession to the cemetery.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Goldean’s life will be conducted on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 3:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, with Rev. Raymond Amos, Sr., officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Chancel Choir and Becky Hale, organist. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm prior to the service on Saturday, or at Goldean’s home at other times.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First United Methodist Church, 325 East E Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643, or the charity dear to her heart, Food for the Multitude, C/O First United Methodist Church, (please note Food for Multitude on memo line.)
