Bessie T. Sherkliff Deaton, 81

WORTON, Md. - Bessie T. Sherkliff Deaton, of Worton, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Beauford Turner of Worton. She was 81.

She was the daughter of the late Robert Sherkliff and Margaret F. Sherkliff and was born March 27, 1927, in Philadelphia.

Bessie's early education was received in Talbot and Queen Anne's counties public school systems.

Upon graduating at Bowie State College she earned a teacher's degree. She fulfilled her desire of teaching for many years in the Queen Anne's County Public School System.

Bessie enjoyed the Baltimore Orioles, watching game shows, sewing, reading, listening to radio talk shows, word puzzles, talking on the telephone with family and friends and listening to gospel music.

She attended Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church as a member for many years.

In 1952 she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Clinton L. Deaton Sr. To this union five children were born.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton L. Deaton Sr.; a daughter, Margaret Rose Butler; a grandson, Sean L. Deaton; and two stepsons, Walter W. Deaton and Ronald Deaton.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Iris Turner of Worton; three sons, Clinton L. Deaton Jr. of Pondtown, Clarence Robert Deaton of Centreville and Carl Lee Deaton Sr. of Ogden, Utah; two stepdaughters, Josolyn Deaton of Chester, Pa., and Cynthia Williams of Dover, Del.; one daughter-in-law, Eloise Deaton of Church Hill; two sons-in-law, Beauford Turner of Worton and Donald Butler of Philadelphia; three sisters, Margaret Carter of Pondtown, Mamie Sherkliff of Hartly, Del., and Gladys Thomas of Pondtown; one brother, George Sherkliff of Pondtown; one sister-in-law, Bessie L. Deaton of Centreville; one aunt, Ethel Lee of Pondtown; 11 grandchildren, Carlisha, Carlisa, Carl Jr., Jovan, Tresstine, Roxanne, Walter, Shawn, Marshalette, Gene and Wydeah; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, Pondtown.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Chestertown.