Patsy Helen Strong Deaton

July 15, 2025

Patsy Helen Strong Deaton, age 94, of Whick, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard.

She was born on September 19,1930 in Breathitt County, Kentucky to the late Sam and Leatha Raleigh Strong. Patsy was a devoted homemaker and mother first and foremost. Over the years, she also worked in retail at Dollar General Store, Walmart, and IGA and provided housekeeping services for the Douthitts, the Eslingers and Paul's Motel. She had a strong work ethic and a caring heart that left a lasting impression on those around her.

Patsy had a deep love for nature and found great joy in tending to her flowers and garden. Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family whom she cherished deeply.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl W. Deaton; her son, Randall D. Deaton; her grandson, Randall Kyle Deaton; and siblings, Ray Strong, Emma McKnight, Lloyd Strong, Lawrence Strong, Oren Strong, Gerald Strong, Charles Strong, Mildred Neal, and Bonnie Linn.

She is survived by her children, Pamela Deaton Wartman, Sheila Deaton Lovely, Susan Deaton Pickering, Richard Wendell Deaton, and Melissa Lynn Deaton; her brother, Sam Strong Jr.; her sisters, Delores Strong Ritchie and Jenny Strong Taulbee; and grandchildren, Cynthia Strong Thompson, Doug Strong, Chris Strong, Jason Strong, Kristie Deaton, Brent Lovely, Jillian Lovely, Rhonda Pickering Morris, Brandon Pickering, Stephanie Deaton Moore, Hayden Young, and Matthew Young. She also leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren and eleven great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Patsy will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Breathitt Funeral Home. Her funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025 with Phil Swartzentruber officiating. Burial will follow in the Neddy Strong Cemetery at Sulphur Gap in Whick, Ky. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Patsy’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will be remembered and cherished always.

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