A beautiful spirit has left this world to join family and friends already in Heaven.

Deanna Bess George passed serenely into the next world on November 3, 2009, at the Lower Cape Fear Life Center and Hospice in Wilmington, North Carolina. As she had desired, her brother-in-law Jean-Claude Bosio and her sister Elaine held her in their arms as she departed.

While ovarian cancer and surgical complications ravaged her body, they did not bow her spirit.

Deanna was a consummate daughter, sister and friend. A unique creation, she possessed an unusual depth of empathy and generosity of spirit for others. For those woven into the tapestry that was her life, life was sweeter, more fun and definitely richer for knowing her.

Deanna was a passionate woman. Her appetite for art, music, theatre, film, travel and yes, food, was legendary. She was an explorer of life, not an observer.

She was born July 24, 1948, in Sheridan. Graduating from Sheridan High school in 1966, she attended the University of Oregon in Willamette, the University of Wyoming, and graduated from the University of Denver in 1971 with a degree in Museology.

She lived and worked for periods of time in Greece, Waltham Massachusetts, and Durham, North Carolina before moving to Sheridan in 1978 to work with her sister, Eleanor, in managing Bessie’s Bargains. This store was started by Deanna’s mother, Bessie George, in competition to her husband Dan’s store. These were some of Deanna’s happiest times as a businesswoman. Ellie, Wanda, Martha and Deanna had great fun running the store.

Later Deanna became owner/manager of the revived Dan’s Western Wear, a business her father had started in 1919 and originally was located at the corner of Loucks and Main and where he had commissioned the mural to be painted which can be seen today. Until she died, she was involved in the management of Dan’s.

In 1985 she married Terrance Poland, of Seaside, California. Together they produced and directed several plays in Sheridan. They were also active in the Sheridan Theater Guild. Terrance eventually began to work at Dan’s and remained there until 2008.

The two separated and filed for divorce in 2009.

She was involved in several community choirs, traveling to perform in NYC with the All Wyoming Choir. She served as president in the Fine Arts Club and the Sheridan Arts Council.

She actively supported Christy Love’s efforts to have the Sheridan Main Street recognized in the Historical Preservation Registry.

She attended the Episcopal Church in Sheridan.

Deanna is preceded in death by her mother Bessie George, father Dan George, and sister Ellie Chadwick.

She is survived by brother Ted George, sister Elaine Nalee, nephews Andre Stamenkovic, Demetrious George, Rodrigo George, and Erik Freestone, and niece Flavia George. Helen McMahan is her only living aunt.

The bereavement and pain of loss which weighs on the souls of her family and friends is tribute to the rare spirit she was. We shall not see her like again soon.

Deanna, who loved animals and fostered seven puppies during chemo treatment at her sister’s home, suggested that she could be remembered with a donation to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 12th at 4:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be private.

The Sheridan Press - November 9, 2009.