Virginia Deakin

Virginia N. Deakin, age 78, of Whitehouse, OH, formerly of Dyersburg, TN passed away peacefully on March 30, 2015 surrounded by her loving family following a brave and courageous battle against cancer. Virginia, affectionately known as Ginny or Mama Deak by all who knew her, was raised in Dyersburg, TN and enjoyed a variety of interests and talents – she was the Drum Majorette in her high school marching band, played the organ for her church choir, and loved raising and riding horses. Virginia attended Memphis State University then worked her way up through the corporate world at Questor; initially, she was the confidential secretary then became the Employee Relations Assistant before leaving her job in 1971 to marry the love of her life and raise her family. Even after moving to Toledo in 1972 with her husband, Harold (“Deak”), she never lost her southern hospitality or her southern accent. Her southern drawl was recognized by everyone she met, and almost always led to a conversation about where this southern belle was from. She always created a welcoming atmosphere in her home and loved to entertain her family and friends. She enjoyed hosting summer crab fests, neighborhood golf scrambles, and frequent impromptu neighborhood get-togethers. Mama Deak’s favorite pastimes were golfing and fishing – activities she and Deak enjoyed immensely. Mama Deak equally enjoyed watching her grandsons fish in the pond in her backyard. Each time they caught a fish, they would run it up to Mama Deak to show off their accomplishment. Mama Deak would respond with such genuine excitement as though it was their very first fish! Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her daughter Helen, brothers Rufus Jr. and Lloyd, and parents Elnora and Rufus, Sr. Left to cherish her memory are her children Anna Deakin, David Deakin, and Ginny (Rob) York, grandchildren; Nathan Deakin (Chrissy Tipping), Dalton, Harrison, and Carson York, as well as Virginia’s first great grandchild Nathan, Jr, who is expected to arrive in April 2015. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home 501 Conant St, Maumee, OH on Saturday, April 4, 2015 where family will welcome friends from 3-6 PM. Interment to her final resting place will be done in a private ceremony to be held at a later date in Dyersburg, TN. The children would like to thank Dr. Lindsay Bostleman at Waterville Family Physicians for taking such good care of their mom over the last several years, as well Kathy, Diana, Kayla, Kesha, Melinda, Sandy, Regina, and the many other caregivers from Hospice of Northwest Ohio who provided her comfort through the journey to her final days. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give a memorial in Mama Deak’s honor please consider a donation to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com