Shelia Tucker Deal died on January 3, 2024 at Watauga Medical Center.  Shelia was born in Concord, North Carolina and grew up in the town of Stanfield in Stanly County. After her graduation from high school, Shelia attended Appalachian State University where she received an undergraduate degree in Special Education and a Masters in Special Education. Following her graduation from Appalachian State, she became a teacher in Caldwell County and then a teacher in Watauga County, teaching at Green Valley School and at Parkway School. Following the birth of her second child, Shelia became a full-time parent, substitute teacher and volunteer at Hardin Park Elementary School, as well as Boone United Methodist Church.  While volunteering and serving at Hardin Park, Shelia was president of the PTA for several years and served in numerous roles.  One of the highlights each year was when she dressed as a witch at Halloween and visited several classes to read them stories. She continued doing that at Watauga High School, where she served in numerous volunteer capacities.

Shelia served as a second Mom to children who were friends of Tucker, Tyler and Samantha. They would come to Shelia's house frequently to stay, eat and to enjoy her sweet tea.

At Boone United Methodist Church, Shelia served on the Board of Trustees, the Preschool Board, the Summer Bible School program and was chairman of the Columbarium Committee. In addition, Shelia was the head of landscaping at Boone United Methodist Church from 2000 until her death.

Shelia also served on the initial board for the restoration of the Appalachian Theatre, was active in the Blue Ridge Community Theater, as well as numerous other volunteer committees and boards in Boone and Watauga County.

Shelia's lifelong love of gardening led her to develop gardens at the church and at home which were featured in garden tours in Watauga County. Her friends and neighbors can readily attest to the incredible beauty that Shelia brought to her yard and to the church.

Shelia is survived by her husband, Jim, her children, Tucker Deal, Tyler Deal and spouse, David Gray, and Samantha Deal.  She is also survived by grandchildren, Spencer Godwin, Cooper Godwin, and Josephine Deal-Gray.  Shelia was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Bertice Tucker, sister, Gwyn Griffin, and stepdaughter, Jackie Godwin. She is also survived by nephews, Lane Griffin and wife, Wendy, Alan Griffin and wife, Melody, special great niece, Shea Griffin, nephews, Brady Deal, Chad Deal, Jay Laney and niece, Lisa Laney.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any donations be made to the Shelia Tucker Deal Endowment c/o The North Carolina Community Foundation.  All checks or donations can be mailed to the office of Jim Deal at PO Box 311, Boone, NC 28607.   The endowment will be established to be used to benefit students in need at Hardin Park Elementary School.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Boone United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 12th, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, at Boone United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.