Linda Carol Deaton

Linda Carol Hatton Deaton

Born in Jackson, Kentucky, on July 26, 1945, and passed away on August 20, 2026, while residing in Calhoun, Georgia.

Linda was a Christian, wife then widow, Mom then Grandmama (Gmama if you're a real one), daughter, sister, aunt, Kentuckian, Appalachian, Southerner, Air Force spouse, teacher, reader, crosswordist, grammarian, jigsaw puzzler, party planner, gift-giver, deaconess, prayer warrior, gospel music enthusiast, nativity collector (and all-around Christmas fanatic), card shark, beachcomber, not exactly a lover of animals, occasional seamstress, and much more.

In 1965, at 19 years old, she married her high school sweetheart, William Philip “Phil” Deaton on New Year's Day while they were both students at the University of Kentucky. They moved into a little trailer right off campus. She majored in both math and physics, and she pursued a successful career teaching around the South as she and Phil moved for the Air Force and other career opportunities. Sometime early in life, she became a rabid UK basketball fan, with a devotion that even Coach Calipari couldn't break.

After teaching, she pursued an even more successful career building a family and a home. Once her youngest child reached high school, she continued a second act of teaching at St. Barnabas Catholic School in north Birmingham.

Phil passed away a little over 11 years ago, mere months after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She grieved him every single day from his death to her own.

Her surviving family celebrates her 81 years of life, including her children, William Philip "Bill" Deaton Jr. and Teri, Lauren Scott (Deaton) Laughridge and Lee, Tyler Hatton Deaton and Jay; her sister Ruth Elaine (Hatton) Sharp; her grandchildren Carolanne, Cameron, Caroline, Campbell, Clare, Loretta, and Thomas; and 12 foster children.

A brief burial service is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama, where she will finally rest next to the love of her life. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the University of Kentucky Woman's Club Student Aid Fund, which supports students with unmet financial needs at her alma mater (UKWC Aid Fund, PO Box 22172, Lexington, KY 40522).

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Linda Carol Hatton Deaton.