Mrs. Kathy Deason

- Springfield - Ms. Kathy Deason, 74, passed away on March 21, 2015 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, surrounded by family and friends. Kathy Deason lived her faith, and, for many, will be the most generous person they have ever known. She began keeping children when her own children were young and found it to be her life's passion, eventually operating three Kathy's Day Kare locations. She was entrusted with the care of hundreds of Effingham County children over her 40 year career, many of whom returned to work for the business or secure care for their own children. Even though she was well into her 70's, Kathy continued to work 12 + hour days, often coming in early and staying late to accommodate working parents with limited childcare options. Kathy's generosity extended beyond her business. She served others through her membership at Springfield First Baptist and her service on the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. She allowed full-time use of a building to Family Promise of Effingham, after generously providing use of a bedroom of her own home on several occasions to those needing temporary shelter. She was known to offer odd jobs to anyone she saw was struggling to make ends meet. Some of her most treasured and loyal employees suffered from intellectual disabilities, but found meaningful work at Kathy's Day Kare, including Miss Jennifer Ford, who worked for Kathy until her death in 2009. She is survived by two sons, John (Kim) Deason of Rincon and TJ Deason of Clyo; two granddaughters, Courtney (Casey) Capps of Statesboro and Amber Deason of Guyton, and their mother, Noralee Deason, and a grandson, Chase Deason of Rincon. She is also survived by her stepmother, Bobbie Woods; brother, Randy Woods (Cindy); and sisters, Diana Woods and Linda Blackburn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Euclide McGowan and John Bud Woods; brothers, Earl Gasque, John Woods, Jr., and a sister, Jeannie Woods. It would be impossible to list all the friends and family Kathy leaves behind, but the family would like to give a special thank you to those who cared for her during her final days, especially her lifelong friend, Mrs. Ann Porrier, as well as the staff of Kathy's Day Kare who worked tirelessly to ensure the day care facilities continued to operate during her illness. Kathy Deason will always be remembered for her kind spirit and generous life, both by her family and everyone she has encountered. Visitation will be held 6-8PM Monday, March 23, 20154 at Riggs Funeral Home in Guyton. Funeral Service will be held 11AM Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Springfield. Interment: Springfield Annex Cemetery. Condolences may be made at riggsfh.com Riggs Funeral Home Guyton, Georgia

Service:

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Springfield



Visitation:

Monday, March 23, 2015 6 -8 p.m.

Riggs Funeral Home