Mrs. Lala M. Deaton, 96, of Port Charlotte, Florida, formerly of Ashville, North Carolina, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. She died peacefully at home in the arms of her loving daughters.
She was born to Lee and Ida Crotts of Lexington, N. C. and was the eldest of eight children. She married Carl K Deaton and they had two daughters, Barbara and Billie. Carl was transferred to Asheville, N. C. and the family made their home there for more than thirty years. In 1970, Lala’s daughters brought her to Port Charlotte to live with them. Lala transferred her church membership to Port Charlotte United Methodist Church and was still a member at the time of her death. She was very active in the United Methodist Women and the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class. She also served the Church as communion steward for many, many years. She was a wonderful mother, a faithful and treasured friend, and helped everyone in times of need. Lala was an excellent seamstress, did all kinds of needlework, taught silk flower classes, and was an avid gardener.
Lala is survived by two daughters, Barbara and Billie Deaton of Port Charlotte; sisters, Ruby Rowe of Lexington, NC, Betty Palmer of Angier, NC, and Peggy Beck (Wilbur) of Lexington, NC, and one brother, Bryce Crotts (Becky) also of Lexington, NC; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Deaton; two brothers, Pete Crotts and Cloys Crotts; and two sisters, Lizzie Hearn and Viola Crotts.