We rejoice in knowing our beloved Anna is home with her Lord and all her loved ones awaiting her arrival in heaven. Deanna was a beautiful human being inside and out, her joyful spirit, effervescent smile and infectious fun loving personality was a gift to us all. She lived a truly remarkable life dedicated to selflessly serving others, meeting needs physically, emotionally and spiritually embodying a good and faithful servant. Her love and devotion to her God, family and friends was absolute. She was a giver, giving of herself, her faith, her talents and resources. She desired to help all in her life know Jesus, she did this well being his hands and feet to all whom he placed in her path.
Her passion for children and education led her to become a lifelong teacher up to the day of her passing, touching the lives of countless children and coworkers throughout her career. Her unwavering commitment to her students and her ability to ignite their curiosity and love for learning were truly remarkable.
Beyond her role as an educator, Deanna was a foster mom loving each one that came through her home wholeheartedly, giving them safety, security and hope changing the trajectory of their lives. She was also a devoted missionary, spreading love and hope to communities in need around the world through mission trips, and her work with Compassion International, Samaritans Purse and countless other organizations. The last 9 years her lifelong dream of living as a full time missionary in the field was realized.
She faithfully served as a missionary with Real Hope for Haiti, loving the Haitian people sincerely and representing Jesus wholeheartedly. She directed Real Hope Academy, where she selflessly taught and genuinely cared for the children of other missionaries working in the village of Cazale, Haiti. In addition to deeply investing in her students, Deanna also showed tender affection helping nurse severely malnourished children back to health, persisting in prayer for clinic patients, teaching the Bible to young people, mentoring foster children, encouraging other missionaries, assisting with pharmacy inventory and in-kind donations, communicating gratefulness to supporters, and being a true ambassador for Christ. She was an active member of Eglise de Dieu Cazale while living in Haiti, and her advocacy enabled the church to become a receiving partner with Compassion International. Her tireless work in Haiti, as she lived out Micah 6:8, touched countless lives, preserved many families, strengthened the community of Cazale, and brought much glory to God.
Deanna was a caregiver in every sense of the word bringing comfort and support, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her kind and selfless nature made her a trusted friend and confidante to all who knew her. She brought light and happiness wherever she went. She was a source of strength and inspiration, her legacy of love will forever be cherished and live on in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.
Anna's life is a testament to the power of sacrificial service and unwavering faith - she has fulfilled her calling.
A celebration of her life will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel 3351 Scenic Highway Pensacola, FL 32503. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home one hour prior to service for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to www.realhopeforhaiti.org/donate.
