Obituary: Anita Deaver

Kinston- Anita Waters Deaver, 80, peacefully completed her earthly time and entered her eternal home on Sunday, September 20, 2026. She faced her journey with cancer with remarkable courage, strength, and grace. Through every difficult day, she remained surrounded by the love of her family and the assurance of her faith until God called her into His loving presence.

Anita was born in Onslow County on February 21, 1946, to the late Willie Taylor Waters and Aleen Hancock Waters Mozingo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 34 years, Ferrell Edwood Deaver Sr.; and brothers, Robert Mozingo and Rudy Hancock.

With a short and petite physique and a sweet demeanor to match, Anita was a kind soul who worked hard and loved her family dearly. Employed through the years with several apparel factories, including Hampton Industries, she was a dedicated employee who took great pride in her work. In later years, she worked in the deli at Walmart until her retirement.

With a quiet but steadfast faith, Anita loved her Lord. Around the home, she was known as a “plant whisperer,” always trying to revive, root, and transplant trees and plants. If you helped work in her yard, you knew to be careful of any bricks you might find in the grass—there was almost certainly a little sapling nearby that Anita was trying to help grow.

A graveside service to remember Anita’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, with Pastor Steve Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Her family was the heart of her life, and she loved them deeply and unconditionally. Anita is survived by her daughter, Meredith Benson and husband, Dwight; son, Edwood Deaver Jr.; her granddaughters, who were her greatest joys and proudest blessings, Grace Mae Benson Adams and husband, Sgt. Clarence Adams, and Geneva Kate Benson and fiancé, Joshua Killette; her brother, Larry “Mickey” Hancock; sister-in-law, Florine Jones; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anita’s memory to The Gideons International, helping to share God’s Word with others. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home,