Brooke H. Deacon

Brooke Blackford Higgs Deacon, 81, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2024, at Augusta Health in Fishersville. Her legacy is one of kindness, family devotion, and hard work.

She was born on October 22, 1942, in Staunton, to the late James Albert, Sr. and Mary Audrey Blackford Higgs.

Brooke’s career as a stock replenisher at J.C. Penney in Staunton reflected her hardworking nature, which she managed alongside a profound love for her family. A dedicated mother, she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her heart was full of joy during the times she gathered with her grandchildren, Jason Daniel White, Ashley McKay Williams, Kathryn Audrey McKay, and Leah Brooke Deacon; and her great-grandchildren, Noah, Eli, Hannah, Trevor, Branson, Kallie-Mae, Maelyn-Rae, and Luna, whom she adored deeply.

In addition to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by her son, Gene Lee Deacon, Jr. and his wife, Valerie; her daughter, Cheryl Denise Deacon McKay and her husband, Roger; and her brothers, Edward “Ned” Blackford Higgs and John Randolph Higgs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gene Lee Deacon, Sr., and her brothers, Dr. James Albert Higgs, Jr. and William “Bill” Darke Higgs.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939) or to the Augusta Regional SPCA (P.O. Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402).