Deanna's obituary
Deanna Morgan (née Liston), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Manassas, Virginia. She was 86 years old.
Born on January 10, 1939, in San Angelo, Texas, to Morrison Liston and Martha Smith, Deanna lived a life marked by resilience, gentleness, and unwavering love for those around her.
Deanna was married to Derek Morgan for 37 beautiful years. She was the devoted mother of four children—Theresa Wallace, Martha Petrizza, Curt Wallace, and Janet Doades—and the proud grandmother of Jamie Arnold, Mathian Chuquillangui, BJ White, Jaciana Jimenez, Natalie Petrizza, AJ Petrizza, Sage Morgan-Johnson, and Morgan Doades. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Kylie and Dustin Faulhaber; Zoe and Shelby Arnold; Lizbet, Cullen, Brody, and Elena White; and Jaciana’s children, Elerie, Geo, Juan, and Luke. All survive her and carry forward the kindness and strength she embodied.
Over the years, Deanna wore many hats with grace and excellence. She began working at JCPenney in high school and later contributed to environmental projects in Utah. She lived abroad in Paraguay with the U.S. State Department before settling in Maryland and then Virginia. Her professional journey included work at the U.S. Treasury and a long career in construction purchasing with Yeonas Company and other respected builders in Northern Virginia. In retirement, she followed her passion and opened a dog breeding business, creating a full kennel of beloved, carefully selected breeds.
Deanna was known for her creativity and warmth. She found joy in camping trips with family, crafting silk flower arrangements, and painting with her children and grandchildren—many of those cherished works still hang in her home today. A woman of deep faith, Deanna was a member of the Methodist Church and lived her life as a quiet but powerful role model, guided by the values she held dear.
She had a quiet wit and could surprise you with her card game tactics, playing slowly and sweetly—only to win at the last minute. Her signature phrases, “by George” and “you betcha,” will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.
To her family and all who met her, Deanna was the embodiment of kindness. Even in her final days, short of breath and battling illness, she found the strength to acknowledge and comfort every family member who came to her side. Her courage, warmth, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who witnessed her grace.
A viewing and service to honor Deanna’s life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, Virginia. All who knew her are welcome to attend.
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Janet/Derek
My condolences in your loss. My heart is with you and your families.
Butch
Janet/Derek
My condolences in your loss. My heart is with you and your families.
Butch
Janet/Derek
My condolences in your loss. My heart is with you an…