Eleanor (Acker) Deaton

Mrs. Eleanor Acker Deaton, 92, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2015, in her home with family and in the care of Hospice.

She was born on January 13, 1923 in Fayetteville to James B. and Julia A. Acker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clayton William “Sack” Deaton; and three siblings: Mary Foxworth Acker Seale, James B. “Buddy” Acker, Jr., and William E. “Bill” Acker.

She is survived by two sons, Clayton William “Bill” Deaton, Jr., and wife Lynda, and Benjamin Arthur “Ben” Deaton; a grandson, Clayton William “Will” Deaton III and wife Brooke; a great-grandson, Eli William Deaton; a sister, Julia Acker Mulvey; and her lifelong friend, Peggy Tally McDaniel all of Fayetteville.

Eleanor graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1939.  She married her husband in 1941.  Within a year he went off to war and, some 27 months later, she welcomed him home.  Following the war, they were stationed in the eastern US, including Camp Forrest, TN and Wilmington, and were subsequently reassigned to Europe.  The family lived in Germany and France for 3 years and had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe.  They returned home to Fayetteville in 1958.  Unfortunately, she lost her beloved husband in 1970.  

She had a career at Ft. Bragg where she retired as a supervisor in the travel section, Office of Accounting and Finance in the mid 1980’s.  Following her retirement, she helped care for her grandson, Will, and began what turned out to be a second career working with the Carolina American Tour company for more than twenty years, finally retiring again at 87.  She enjoyed traveling and looked forward to vacationing annually at Hilton Head Island, S.C.  When she was 76 she and her childhood friend, Peggy, took on the task of driving from coast-to-coast, leaving in September and, 7176 miles and one month later, returned home in October. They visited family and friends and had a wonderful adventure.

Speaking of adventure, Eleanor was made an honorary member of the Golden Knights, the US Army’s legendary parachute team, in appreciation for her years of service to the team.   

She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church where she received the Women’s Leadership award. She volunteered at her church until her health began to fail in the last year.  Eleanor, along with Mary Sappington, and later her sister, Julia, was a long term fixture at the Wednesday night gatherings, greeting folks with a smile, making a positive impact, collecting funds, and enjoying good fellowship over 30 years of service. 

She also served as a member of the Eastern Star and as a member of the social club, Laureate Kappa, Beta Sigma Phi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville.

Her grandson, Will, and her nephews, John Seale, Bill Acker, Mark Acker, Rick Mulvey, Chip Mulvey, and Kevin Mulvey have the honor of serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will take place at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home Tuesday, May 19 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m..  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday afternoon, May 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church. Internment will immediately follow in Lafayette Memorial Park in Fayetteville.

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