Joyce Deaton

With deep regret we announce that our great friend Joyce Hilliard Deaton, 80, passed away July 13th at her long-time Charlotte home in the loving company of family and friends. She was predeceased by her father, her mother, her brother and several cousins.

Joyce was born in Charlotte on October 24, 1944, to her parents Ray and Mabel Deaton. Joyce attended public schools in Charlotte and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1962. She continued her education by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Arts in Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University.

Joyce worked for several years as a communication specialist for AT&T in Birmingham and then returned home to Charlotte where she had a successful career as a free-lance writer and photographer.

From birth, the adjectives most people used for Joyce were “sweet” and “generous” with her unconditional love for people and animals everywhere. She gave regularly to nonprofit organizations that supported refugees, low-income families, nature conservancy, preschool initiatives for bilingual children and many other causes.

Joyce had many interests and many friends. She enjoyed being with various groups of friends camping in her VW van, traveling to other countries, helping friends paint their houses, playing music together and singing in the Caldwell Presbyterian Church choir. She was a regular member of a long-time informal Breakfast Club, a book club and the professional organization, Women In Communication.

A Celebration of Joyce’s Life is planned for August 17. Details to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Deaton, please visit our floral store.