Deanna Porter Arrington, 64, of Ashland, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland after a short illness.
Deanna is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 42 years, Gary Arrington; her beautiful daughter, Gretchen Arrington VanHoose (Bryan); and her granddaughter, Breanna.
Deanna was born Feb. 26, 1950, at Kings Daughters Medical Center to Hazel and Elmo Porter. She was raised in Ashland and graduated from Paul G. Blazer High School in 1968. Deanna excelled in the band and enjoyed performing as a majorette. Deanna met her future husband in September 1965 and they married on May 29, 1971. Their only daughter, Gretchen Leigh, was born Oct. 21, 1974.
Deanna had bachelors and masters degrees in education from Morehead State University. She loved working with children and dedicated her life in many ways to them. She was a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Summit, Cannonsburg and Ironville elementary schools. Deanna was also a preschool teacher at the Early Childhood Learning Center. She was a Sunday school teacher at Pollard Baptist Church before becoming a charter member of Garner Baptist Church. At Garner, Deanna taught Sunday school from the first day the church opened. She was also the founder and director of the Garner Childrens Handbell Choir. Deanna had a passion for childrens ministry and worked tirelessly to share Gods love.
Deanna was diagnosed in 2002 with Parkinsons disease, and was a founding member of the Coalition for the Cure of Parkinsons Disease. Deanna was committed to finding a cure for Parkinsons and worked diligently to support that effort. Deanna never let the disease dampen her spirit or her energy; instead she focused on helping others and being a resource to those fighting alongside her.
Deanna will be remembered for many of her amazing attributes, but most admired for the joy and positive energy she shared with all those she met. Deanna was a beautiful spirit whose love for life, her family and her church were infectious. Deanna was also an amazingly faithful wife, a devoted mother and a loving grandmother. Above all, Deanna had a love and devotion to Christ that was apparent in everything she did. God has always been woven into the tapestry of her life.
A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Garner Baptist Church by the Rev. Jon Black. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum in Ashland.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel in Ashland.
Contributions may be sent to the Garner Baptist Church Building Fund, 19231 Ky. 3, Rush, KY 41168 or the Coalition for the Cure of Parkinsons Disease, 2212 Coburn Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
