Deanna Gail (Jewell) Raish
Deanna Gail (Jewell) Raish, 87, of Dayton, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at her home.
She was born on November 8, 1938 and was a daughter of Cyrus C. and Arietta Mae (Flowers) Jewell.
"She always put family and loved and loved ones before herself. If one word could capture Deanna in one word it would be selfless. Deanna was a beautiful pigtailed girl from the coalfields of West Virginian. She never denounced her roots nor did she shy away from them. Deanna grew up well before her time. She inherited it honestly from her momma (whom she loved with all her heart). It is said of many that they would give you their last dollar or the shirt off their back, with Deanna, like her mom, it wasn’t a cliché; it was who she was.
Like her momma was compelled to look after and care for those who were less fortunate, or those simply needing a helping hand. She was both willing to assist or to simply back away when others felt the need to figure things out own their own (this was hard for her). To have not known Deanna was to truly miss out on an immense treasure.
All she ever wanted was to be loved in the manner that she loved others; she found that in special love in Steve Raish. The two of them were seamless in all that they did. They epitomized the biblical mandate that the “two becoming one flesh.” They might not have finished each other’s sentences, but it was undeniable that they were true soulmates.
Deanna was an avid reader and constantly pursued knowledge her entire life. She loved flowers and working in her garden. She could recite limericks, and childhood fairytales at the age of 80 years and beyond that still shock most people that were extremely close to her (especially her children). She had an artistic knack and was very creative in designing her house to make it a home where all were given a warm welcome."
Deanna retired from GEICO in 1992, where she demonstrated that no matter where you grew up, or what your circumstances you could succeed if you applied yourself.
Deanna was united in marriage to Richard Steven Raish on June 28, 1985. No one could deny that he was the love of her life.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Linda McCord, Rebecca Bryant, Clayton Clark, Charles Clark, Jr., and John Clark; two sisters, Deborah Davis, and Linda Condon. ten grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Dudley Jewell, Asa Jewell, Jerry Jewell; her sister Shirley Busteed, and one grandchild Clayton Clark JR.
A service celebrating Deanna's life will be held on April 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater with Clayton Clark officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM prior to the service.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Oakvale Cemetery. Any other announcements will be made at the funeral home during the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater.
