Leola Hattie Jackson Deal

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

On the morning of September 1, 2025, Sis. Leola Hattie Jackson Deal passed away peacefully at her residence in El Paso, Texas. Leola was one of fourteen children, born to the late Bill and Ida Jackson on May 14, 1942, in Hammond, Louisiana, and later made her home in El Paso. She accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully continued her Christian walk at North Loop Church of Christ, which later became Montwood Church of Christ, and she also devoted much of her time and service at Eastwood Church of Christ, where her faith and dedication touched many lives.

Before beginning her career in education, Leola worked at Luby’s Cafeteria and later at Farah Manufacturing. She eventually found her true calling in the classroom, serving faithfully in education for nineteen years with Ysleta Independent School District. She began as a substitute teacher and later became a beloved paraprofessional at Eastwood Knowles Elementary, where she was cherished by staff and students alike.

Leola was united in holy matrimony to Phillip Deal, and to this union four children were born: Benn Jackson, Phillip Lamont Deal, Cheryl Deal, and Michael (Nichole) Deal. She was also the proud grandmother of Andre and Ashley Jackson, Christina and Dalon Blackman, and Devean, Markis, Zoey, Braylon, Joshua, and Daniel Deal. Her great-grandchildren brought her even greater joy: Marcel, Aaliah, and Mia Deal, along with Amiyah Jackson.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ida Jackson, her husband, Phillip Deal, her sister, Ruby Jackson, and her brothers, Charles Jackson and Bill Jackson Jr. She leaves behind her children and grandchildren, her loving sisters: Aliene Williams, Iretha Banks, Ceola Herrin, Fannie Mae Brumfield, Annie Mae Brumfield, Louella Hendricks, Alberta Jackson, Olamae Jackson, Odella Hogan, and Betty Hall, and her brother Leroy Jackson. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Viola Dickerson, Faye Castillo, Lucy Deal, and Suky Deal, her brothers-in-law, John Banks, Ronnie Deal, and Billy Deal, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbors, and friends.

To her family, Leola was truly the heart and home. Her laughter, wisdom, and supportive words brightened even the toughest days. Her grandchildren remember her as their steadfast supporter, always celebrating their victories—whether she was in the stands or watching online. She instilled in them the power of perseverance, the warmth of faith, and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Chapel Service at 6:00 PM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Homes- East, 750 N. Carolina. A Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 AM, Friday, September 12, 2025 at Montwood Church of Christ, 11845 Bob Mitchell. Graveside Service will follow at 11:00 AM at Evergreen East Cemetery.