Jean Deacon Witt, 87, of Troutville, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 13, 2024.
Jean laughed freely and loved fully. Her life was marked by service to the Lord, love for her family, and delight in music, her cats, planting flowers, decorating, puzzles, and baking cakes.
Jean was born in Roanoke on January 4, 1937 to Elroy and Bessie Deacon. She grew up in Botetourt County alongside her big brother, Ralph. Jean graduated as valedictorian of the Colonial High School Class of 1954 where she was an avid basketball player. In June 1956, she married the love of her life, Carlton Witt. Together they built a home on her family farm where they raised their three children; David, Carol and Teresa. Jean resided here her entire life, enjoying the farm life and her view of grazing cows in the pastureland.
In her early years, Jean worked at Pittsburg Plate Glass and was a homemaker before beginning her career at Oakey’s in 1971. She began as the part-time organist and grew into a full-time office position in accounting and payroll while still playing for services. Jean retired in September 2018 after 41 years at Oakey’s.
Jean loved music and was an accomplished pianist and organist, playing until her very last days. She began playing the organ as a teenager at Bonsack Baptist Church where she grew to passionately serve as the organist for over 35 years alongside her lifelong friend, June Brown. Jean cheerfully and faithfully volunteered in numerous roles at the church including as the financial secretary, women’s ministry chairperson, and counting committee.
Jean is reuniting in Heaven with her parents; her loving husband of 35 years, Carlton Witt; her precious grandson, Jared Arney; her beloved son, David Witt; and her big brother, Ralph Deacon.
She is survived by her daughters Carol (Darryl) Pugh, Teresa (Bill) Arney; daughter-in law, Debbie Witt; grandchildren, Josh (Rachel) Witt, Krisha (Josh) Golla, Regina (Victor) Rivera, Savannah Pugh, Will (Nicole) Arney, Katelyn Arney, Katie Arney; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces, Cindy Bireley and Kim Charlton; nephews, Dennis and Jeff Deacon; and sisters-in-law, Marlene Deacon and Darlene Witt.
The family received friends at Oakey’s East Chapel on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 12-2 p.m. The memorial service began at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke.
Those wishing to honor Jean may donate to the SixForty Corporation for the restoration of Colonial Elementary, P.O. Box 731, Fincastle, 24090.
