Murl Jean Deaton, age 89, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 25, 2024. Murl was born on June 7, 1934 to Bart and Mell McManus of Camden, AR.
Murl is preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Lavon and Helen McManus, and her grandson, Bart Deaton. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Tommy Deaton, and their children: Kyle (Betty) Deaton of Queen City, TX, Melanie Churchill of Little Rock, AR; Darla Nasello of Maumelle, AR; and Adair (Charlie) Melton of New Boston, TX. She was affectionately known as Gram to her grandchildren: Lanie (David) Konecny of Little Rock, AR; Kyla (Josh) Owen of New Boston, TX; Mallory Melton of Austin, TX; Kaylin Melton of Fayetteville, AR; Conner Melton of New Boston, TX; Brynn Nasello of Maumelle, AR; and Ainsley Nasello of Fayetteville, AR as well as 5 great-grandchildren: Carter, John David, and George Konecny of Little Rock, AR and Landon Granbery and Lane Owen of New Boston, TX. “Aunt Jean” will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.
Murl was a graduate of Fairview High School where she was voted homecoming queen for the Class of 1952. After marrying Tommy Deaton on December 22, 1953, they lived in Camden, AR, Fort Hood, TX, Pine Bluff, AR, Vicksburg, MS, and Bastrop, LA before returning to Camden until they relocated to Little Rock, AR. Murl was a member of First United Methodist Church Little Rock, but her heart remained at Fairview United Methodist Church where she was past president of UMW and a member of the Simpson Couples Sunday School class. Murl’s personal life was enriched by her hobbies, which included bowling, singing, and creating lasting memories with her family during camping trips to Lake Greeson. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren and attended as many of their events as possible. Murl had a thirst for knowledge and an appreciation for current events. She instilled the importance of education in her children and grandchildren, ensuring each of them had the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Her professional life was filled with dotting i’s and crossing t’s as a secretary where she worked at the Law Office of Charles Martin, the local Health Department, and Edward D Jones. She was the owner of The Jeans Junction, a boutique in Bastrop, LA. She also brought her organizational talents to Fairview United Methodist Church, where she was a valued member of the staff, congregation, and church choir.
Visitation will be held at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden, Arkansas, on Sunday, January 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 29, at 11 a.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church with a Graveside Service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Murl’s memory to Fairview United Methodist Church.