Deanna Auvil Wilbourn

Deanna Auvil Wilbourn of Meridian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 21.

Born December 2, 1937, in Keyser, West Virginia to Alva Lloyd and Goldie Kight Auvil, Deanna
lived a full and meaningful life rooted in love for family, enduring friendships, and steadfast faith.

Deanna graduated from Narrows High School in Narrows, Virginia, in 1954 and went on to earn a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Virginia School of Nursing in 1958, where she formed many lifelong friendships. A born caregiver, Deanna's nurturing spirit extended to all. Whether delivering home-baked tea cakes or flowers from her garden, she always sought ways to bring comfort and joy to others. Even in her later years, she delighted in these small acts of kindness.

After graduation, she was the head RN of the recovery room at the University of Virginia Hospital and a cardiac care nurse during the early days of cardiac care. It was during this time that she met Richard Wilbourn II, a UVA law student. They married in 1960 in Charlottesville and soon moved to Meridian, Mississippi, Richard's hometown. Deanna embraced Meridian wholeheartedly, forming deep friendships and investing in causes that strengthened her new community. She continued to practice nursing for several years before dedicating herself to her family, her city, and to supporting Richard through his multifaceted career as an attorney, hotelier, banker, and entrepreneur. Through it all, Deanna was a loyal and trusted partner in Richard's endeavors, including the founding of InnServe Corp. Upon his passing in 2004, she succeeded him as a Director of Citizens National Banc Corp.

Faith was central to Deanna's life. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as President of the Women of the Church and Circle leader and lived out her beliefs through service, generosity, and love. She cherished her church family.

Deanna was passionate about education, athletics and the arts. As an active supporter of her children's school, she served as the Lamar School Parent Association President and enjoyed personally awarding the annual Wilbourn Scholarships and Capital Project Gift. She was on the board of the Meridian Museum of Art and supported organizations including the Meridian Little Theater, Merrehope Historic Home, the Mississippi Children's Museum of Meridian, and the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. Her commitment to community extended to her involvement in the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian, the Fortnightly Literary Club - where she also served as President - and the Taking Stock Investment Club. She was also a long-time member of the Tuesday Bridge Club, enjoying nearly six decades of friendship and fellowship. In addition, Deanna served for many years on the board of The Southern Debutante Assembly in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Deanna is survived by her daughters; Elizabeth Wilbourn Williamson (Russell) and Garnett Wilbourn Hutton (Tom) of Memphis, Tennessee, and a son, Richard Eggleston Wilbourn III of Ridgeland. She was a beloved grandmother to Caroline Elizabeth Williamson, Sarah Williamson Orr (Wilson), Garnett Sturdivant Hutton, Russell Haire Williamson, Jr., Callie Frances Hutton, Sophia Victoria Wilbourn, and Deanna Maria Wilbourn, She is also survived by her brother, Allan Auvil (Carolyn) of Greenville, South Carolina, her sister, Eleanor Fisher of Roanoke, Virginia, her dear friend and neighbor of over 55 years, Syble Majure, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brother, Randall Auvil, and her parents-in-law, Garnett Sturdivant and James Cox Wilbourn.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, whose compassion sustained her in her final years.

Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Magnolia Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lamar School, 544 Lindley Road, Meridian, MS 39305, First Presbyterian Church Wilbourn Trust, ℅ Citizens National Bank 512 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301, or another nonprofit organization supporting the Meridian community.