November 30, 1967 – June 20, 2025

 

On the evening of Friday, June 20, 2025. Deana Rena Dukes Still passed peacefully into her eternal home, surrounded by family and the steady presence of her loving husband, Tim, at their home in Peachtree City, Georgia. Her journey was marked by quiet strength, a deep love for others, and a steady faith that shaped every chapter of her life.

Born on November 30, 1967, in Dothan, Alabama, Deana was the second of three children and the only daughter of Charles Donald Dukes and Willa Dean Dukes. She grew up in Dothan, where she learned the values of compassion, perseverance, and family devotion that would define her life’s path.

Deana graduated from Dothan High School in 1986 and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Troy State University. She later completed her master’s in education from Columbus State University. Teaching young children wasn’t just a profession for Deana- it was her calling. Over 28 years in education, she helped countless children learn to read, grow in confidence, and discover the joy of learning. She spent the last part of her career at Unity Elementary with the Meriwether County Board of Education and previously taught in the Dothan City, Decatur County, and Clay County school systems.

Throughout her life, Deana remained deeply grounded in her faith. She was raised in Selma Baptist Church in Dothan, worshiped at Cascade Hills in Columbus, and most recently attended New Hope Baptist Church in Peachtree City with her family. Her faith was not loud or showy- but it was steady, sincere, and lived out daily.

Deana had a quiet joy for the simple things that made life rich. She loved softball and played both as a young girl and well into adulthood, often on city and church leagues- sometimes right alongside her mother. She enjoyed reading and had a soft spot for a good mystery. She was a fan of NCIS- probably watching very episode more than once- and shared a favorite tradition with her daughter Hannah: watching The Masked Singer together, guessing the performers, and laughing all the way through.

Her home was a place of comfort, learning and love. She gave her daughters roots and wings. She gave her students their first steps toward discovering the world. She gave everyone around her a sense of calm and kindness that lingered long after the conversation ended.

Deana was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Donald and Willa Dean Dukes, and her older brother, Steve Dukes. She is survived by her devoted husband of 18 years, Tim Still; her beloved daughters, Elizabeth and Hannah Still; her sister-in-law Karron V. Dukes, widow of Steve Dukes; her brother Chris Dukes and his wife Chrissy; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Angela Lehew; her sister-in-law Dina Faulk Still, widow of Robert T. Still of Dothan, Alabama; nieces Shannon Dukes, Millie Dukes, Emma Dukes, Abby Still, Katelyn Delk, and Emily Delk; nephews Jacob Dukes, Matthew Still, and Tristan Lehew; and many treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Dothan area.

Following her wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal funeral or graveside service. A celebration of Deana’s life is being planned and will be announced in the coming weeks.

To honor Deana’s life and legacy, the family invites donations to Harts of Teal, an organization supporting ovarian cancer awareness- an illness Deana faced with courage and grace. Donations can be made at; hartsofteal.org

The Still family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation- Fayetteville.