Deana Noelle Neese

Deana Noelle Neese, 23, of Cannon, passed away on Tuesday December 19, 2023 due to injuries sustained in a car accident in South Carolina.  

Deana was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her.  She was well known for her love of kids and her service to them in her profession as a child advocate.  Deana was born in Commerce in 2000 to Rachel Stephens and Dusty Neese.  She attended East Jackson High School and graduated from Foothills in 2018.  After graduation, she attended Athens Technical College and enrolled in early childhood classes. She went on to work at World of Kids in Commerce, Bright Promises in Hartwell, and finally as a child advocate at Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence.  Her career choices showcase her adoration for children.  So many families were touched by her life.            

Some of Deana’s favorite things were her family, friends, all things Disney, and her cats.  She was passionate about her role as a child advocate.  Her love of church was evident in all the churches she regularly attended and served in her community.  Deana also developed a love of theatre and recently joined the Hart County Community Theatre where she acted in A Christmas Story.     

Deana was preceded in death by her maternal grandfathers, Kenny Crenshaw and Dean Stephens; maternal great-grandparents, Bill and Faye Whitmire; paternal grandparents, Joel and Nina Neese; paternal uncles, Perry (Big Pig) Neese and Walt Neese.  She is survived by her mother, Rachel Stephens; father, Noelle (Dusty) Neese; sister, Madisyn Neese; brothers, Dustyn Neese, Matthew Neese, and Nathaniel Neese; maternal grandmother, Wanda Crenshaw; boyfriend, Will Grey.  She is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and numerous families whose lives were impacted by her.  

Memorial services to honor Deana are planned for Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at Foundation Church, formally known as Center Grove Baptist Church, in Pendergrass.  Pastor John Wood will be officiating.  Instead of flowers, please make donations in Deana’s name to Foundation Church’s food bank.  A special thank you to Ward’s Funeral Home in Gainesville for their assistance.  

You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Gainesville is honored to serve the family of Deana Noelle Neese.