Deanna Brown Weaver

Deanna Vivian Brown Weaver, 85, of Kilgore, was called home to Heaven the morning of March 18, 2024. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. Funeral Services for Deanna will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Kilgore. Rev. Barry Metz will be officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Forest Park West in Shreveport, LA.

Deanna was born on April 8, 1938 in Shreveport, LA to Eulalah Grace Heflin Morris and Vivian Cassidy Brown. She graduated from Fair Park High School and attended McNeese State College and Northwestern State College. Deanna was a ballroom dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios in Lake Charles, LA. There she met her husband of 56 years, Samuel Ross Weaver, of Bossier City, LA. After 17 years of military life together, his retirement led them to Kilgore, TX in 1978. Deanna successfully owned Baskin Robbins Ice Cream from 1978-1988. Her 10 years as a franchisee introduced her to many wonderful people. She also had the privilege of working as an Evening Continuing Education Secretary at Longview Center of Kilgore College for 10 years. She served with various organizations including Kilgore High School PTA, ABWA, Rotary Club and Beta Sigma Sorority. After her retirement in 2004, she devoted her time to her 4 children and being Nana to her 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Her home was always filled with laughter (her’s was the most contagious!!), amazing food, family and friends. She was a southern lady, gracious hostess, business owner, gourmet cook, and loyal friend to all who knew her. She was an avid reader, music enthusiast, the best shopping partner and lover of beautiful fragrant flowers. Deanna was a great listener, advice giver, had the brightest smile and a heart full of love.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Brian Weaver and Melissa, Sheryl Collins, Craig Weaver and Carey, Watson Weaver and wife Lynnette; grandchildren, Cory Collins and wife Jena, Landry Allen and husband Matt, Scott Weaver, Kyle Weaver, Kalynn Oden and husband Ryan, Ross Weaver and wife Allison, Cade Weaver, Trent Weaver, Lauren Weaver, Mathew Weaver and fiance Staley Stice, Madison Weaver, Abigail Weaver and Savanna Weaver; great-grandchildren, Corbin, Sydney, Emma, Stone, Kooper, Brooklyn, Kameryn, Jayce, Cole, Amerie, Owen, Brantley, Presley, Hudson, Adelynn, and Lilyann; sister, Gwen Arendell and husband Jim Stovall; brother, Peter Brown; and sister-in-law Karen Riddle; Also left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.

Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, parents, and a son-in-law Jerry Collins.