Alice Deanne Gurganus

Alice “Deanne” Gurganus, 89, of Newport, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, at her home with her loved ones by her side.

Deanne's beautiful life will be honored with a funeral service to be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 29th at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Newport, officiated by Rev. Freddie Braswell and Rev. Kenny Vinston. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Deanne was born on December 28, 1933, in Newport, North Carolina, to the late William and Lula Quinn. Above all else, Deanne loved her Lord and her family. She was a loving wife to James for 67 years, as well as his helpmate as a pastor’s wife. They served together to many congregations in Carteret County and beyond.

An excellent seamstress, she sewed everything from baby clothes and wedding dresses to band and majorette uniforms. Deanne attended every event her girls participated in for school and church if she was able.

In her later years, she volunteered for Newport Consolidated School Alumni and Historical Association. She loved everyone she met and affectionately became known as “Big Mama” to children, teens, and adults alike. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Deanne's legacy of love and compassion lives on through her daughters, Norma Grant (Terry) of Newport, Dorla Pake of Emerald Isle, Christine “Chris” Ricks (Danny) of Newport, and Kathy Buttery (Jerry) of Newport. She was a loving sister to Alstine Quinn Skinner and Ethel Bush, a devoted grandmother to Lucy Jackson (fiancé Jason Hill), Hillary Dewaratanawanich (Terry), Trey Ricks, Kelsey Pope (Chandler), Chase Pake (Frances), Madison Pake (Zack Sowers), Kaley Buttrey (Kade Ciraulo), and Kara Buttrey (Nathan Windley); great-grandmother to Adelaide, Liam, Kinsley, Blair, Peyton, Zoey, and Sophia; along with many beloved nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Evelyn Eidell, Sharon Nelson, and Pruitt Hospice.

In addition to her parents, Deanne was preceded in death by her brother, Lionel Quinn; son-in-law, Charles Pake; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Skinner, and Richard Bush; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hilton, and Pattie Mae Gurganus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holly Springs FWB Church, 182 Holly Springs Rd., Newport, NC 28570, or Pruitt Hospice, 810 Kennedy Avenue, New Bern, NC 28560.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.