Phyllis Watts Deaton, 86, of Moore, SC died April 17, 2024, in Spartanburg, SC.

She was the devoted wife of the late Rev. Robert L. Deaton, and together they served five South Carolina Baptist congregations across the state. She later enjoyed serving South Carolina Baptist ministers as an employee of The LifeWay Christian Resources store in Columbia.

A woman of great faith with a genuine loving and joyful spirit, Phyllis brightened the lives of those around her with her smile and jovial laughter. She deeply loved her Lord and the churches where they served, and Poplar Springs Baptist Church and her Sunday School Class, where she was a member in her senior years.

The daughter of the late Samuel L. Watts, Sr. and late Edith Clamp Watts of Pageland, she was the oldest of six siblings, with three sisters, two brothers, whom she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert Lee Deaton and sister Anna Laura Watts Hemminger. Her survivors include a daughter, Lea Ann Skinner and her husband, David, of Woodruff; a son, Robert Todd Deaton and his wife, Michelle, of Greer; sisters, Amelia Watts Clontz (Joe) and Kathryn Watts Hicks; brothers, Samuel Louie Watts, Jr. and James Felton Watts (Janice); and three grandchildren, Laura Deaton, Caleb Deaton and Dawson Skinner.

A Funeral Service will be held on April 21, 2024 at 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Pageland with Dr. Joel Dale, Rev. Ken Forrester and Rev. Jarrett McNeely with a graveside service to follow.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Pageland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 790 Hwy 417, Moore, SC 29369.

Arrangements entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com)