In Loving Memory of
Deanna Christine Blackburn Balfour
December 18, 1941 – January 23, 2021
A Virtual Celebration of Life was held February 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM PST
Deanna Christine Blackburn Balfour 79 of Las Vegas, Nevada left the departure lounge for heaven January 23, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Paul James Balfour and her only son, Mark Trevor Euell of Greensboro, NC. Deanna also leaves behind two granddaughters, Carmen Rita Crawford-Euell and Markeyla Diana Crawford-Euell and two great-grandsons, Camren and Andrew whom she never had the pleasure of meeting.
Deanna was born December 18, 1941 to Aubrey and Edna Blackburn on the Spice Island of Grenada in the West Indies. Deanna’s three brothers Leonard, George, and Derek preceded her in death. Deanna’s two sisters Joyce and Yolande, still live in Grenada with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. Her nieces and nephews were very special to Deanna and all of them lovingly called her Auntie Dean.
Young Deanna ran, swam, played and loved growing up in Grenada. Deanna also had a sincere love of music and would proudly tell her friends the first album she ever purchased was a Sinatra classic, which she knew every lyric of every song and loved for her friends to sing along.
From Grenada, she made London her home where the music scene was just what she loved. While there Deanna met her first husband John H. Euell III, father of Mark Euell. After London, she moved to Washington, D.C. where later she met and married Paul. Paul was a talented musician engaged to perform all over the world among the rich and famous. The two spent many unforgettable days laughing, making friends and seeing the world. As a result, the Mancini tune, Two for the Road, became her favorite song.
Deanna was the type of person who never met a stranger. She loved to cook and entertain friends and family, and always welcomed all.
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Darcy Munford Sunset Memories of Deanna Balfour
Getting away from the world is how it feels whenever honored to dine, have
cocktails, share a laugh or just enjoy a cup of coffee & English muffin
Miss Deanna Balfour. Being in her presence was a type of spiritual revival.
We met almost 39 years ago. All the while, admiring her aura of earthy
femininity. A colossal quality in women sorely undervalued in today’s
society.
The beautiful Miss Deanna was in my opinion a dependent soul. Not weak in
any way. But in an encouraging way of divinity & dignity. Early to mid*
2019* was the last time I had the opportunity to speak or spend time with
her. She was a bit fatigued. Yet still cheerful, unapologetic nor
complaining. Gracious as always.
Her loving husband Paul fell ill & I think this was the beginning of a
broken heart. On occasion I had shuttled her back & forth from the
Balfour’s beautiful Lake’s home in Las Vegas to attend to Paul. At the end
of one day, she simply leaned her head into my shoulder a little teary
eyed. Then in this innocent, almost childlike whisper… she said, “I’m
tired”.
*As hubby Paul Balfour, son* *Mark Euell, *family & friends have said,
Deanna enriched people’s lives because of her vitality & the meaningful
intention she attached to life, by way of deep values & warm memories. She
was exemplary of what it means to provide “*Care of The Soul”* – (great
book by the way). Home, family, entertaining, graciousness and honesty in
her truth.
*NAMASTE *to Mark Euell for being my friend of 40 years, introducing me to
his beautiful Mother-Deanna Christine Blackburn-Balfour. Not to exclude the
colorful Paul Balfour who dearly loved his wife! She is missed. May she
rest in peace. All my love
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Such sad news! We had lost touch with Deanna and you Paul and to our regret, we missed the chance to bathe in her warming glow again. What a beautiful, loving person. Everyone who knew her surely shares a sadness in their hearts. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
May God give you strength, Paul, to continue to share the beautiful music that you made together.
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Deanna was a wonderful friend when I lived in Las Vegas. She was great company and a bright star in my life!
Sorry we didn’t get just one more laugh, dear lady!
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Beyond the sunset there is a peace that comes when our days is done.God grant us this serenity. When our earthly battle is won.Take comfort in the knowledge that ours love one has gone on to that valley beyond. The sunset. R I P AUNTY DEAN.
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Condolences on the loss of your dear Deanna.. I met her thru Robert and Gloria when she lived in DC. Mark, I remember you playing with Paul and Bradley in your pedal cars when you would visited Pikesville. Pray you both find comfort in a life well lived.
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My condolences to Paul for a sweet lady Deanna who was a wonderful loving friend who had a beautiful heart and fun to be around and will be missed. My heart go’s out to Paul who loved her so much. RIP sweet Deaanna
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We will always remember Deanna’s warm, happy glow. Godspeed ♥️
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Love you Diana ❤️ So much!
Let’s laugh and cook together when we meet again! ? And say hi to my Mom for me. Billy
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My Deepest Sympathy to Deanna Husband Son and her two Sisters Joyce and Yolanda also her nieces and nephews .I remember her coming to Sauteurs with the rest of the family to visit her mom and Dad she was a fun person to be around she alway make people laugh may she rest in peace
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Auntie Deanna was such a lovely lady and I remember her when I was younger she came on vacation to grandma Edna’s house. And I will always remember her kindness. She will be missed and rests in peace. My thoughts to her son and husband. Love, Niece Wendy XXX
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We met Deanna and Skip almost three decades ago, during the television production of New York at Night. We have remained friends ever since. Deanna was an absolute joy to be around. From cruise ships and harrowing rides along narrow, winding hillside roads in Granada to enjoying Skip’s performances, dinners in Little Italy and drinks of coconut water with a splash of vodka, we will forever remember Deanna’s smile and inimitable laughter throughout. Late night West Coast/East Coast phone calls will never be the same. Deanna will be dearly missed. We love you, Skip.
Louise & Frank
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Auntie I love you always, gonna miss talking with you. You said I should be a talk show host. We always shared go times no matter what. Our angel has earned her wings. Rest in peace auntie. Love always ur niece nichele brown.
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Paul and Mark – Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your time of great sorrow on the passing of Deanna your loving wife and mother. Only those who have lost a loved one can know the depths of your feelings. We send you love to give you strength to bear your sorrow.
There is lonesomeness after but we want you to know that your family are thinking of you in this time of your great loss.
We will never forget the friendliness and kindness Deanna extended to all she knew. She was also loved by all who knew her and lived her life to the fullest. May she rest in peace.
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My heartfelt condilences to you Mark on the passing on your Beloved Mother and you Paul on the passing on your wondeful wife.
When I lived in Grenada and she visited, she was always that fun Aunt, inevitable my favourite Aunt, and yes, she never met anyone she didn’t liked, she loved everyone.
She had such a Cool way of speaking, such a cool raspy accent. She was that English Aunt who then became that Fun Funky and Cool American Aunt. She was hip before hip was cool.
Mark you are such a refection of your Mom and Paul, she could have found a better life partner.
Paul, I still recall fondly of my time in Los Angeles with you and when you visited Toronto.
.Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
My she Rest In Peace.
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Deanna was the best thing to happen to Paul…EVER! Ellen and I are so thankful we got to spend time with them both after they came ashore from their world travels. We’re thankful that Mark has been here to help Paul….since Deanna did all the thinking on this side of the family:) She had a gracious and gentle nature that will live on in our hearts.
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Deanna and Pau have shared Thanksgiving Dinner and Xmas Bruch with y Family for a few years. We will truly miss her presence and her laughter during the Holidays. Rest In Peace!
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I can count Deanna as a truly dear friend of 60 years. I was Marks godfather and she was Maid of Honor at my wedding, She was my wife’s dearest and closes life long friend. and my son’s god mother.. We were ,often thought of as twins because of the closeness of our birthdays.
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Deanna was a kind and special person. I will miss her.
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Mark, I can tell your mom was a beautiful person inside and out! I’m praying for you and your family as you navigate through these difficult times. Take solace in the fact that God is with you, your Dad, and your Mom, always even until the end of time. Love you brother and May God’s love comfort you and family.
Blessings!
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Deanna has been one of the most amazing, sweet people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. My husband George had always loved her as well. Glorious fun to be around, every one in heaven is honored to have her join them! I’ll see you on down the road sister!
Love,
Linda Drummond
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You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Praying the peace of God for you and your family, my brother. Find comfort in knowing that her last breath on earth, became her first breath in Heaven! Much Love
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I never had the chance to meet Mrs. Deanna in person. But, did get to speak to her a few times on the phone and it was like I had met her. She was the kindest, beautiful , loving woman I talked with. Wish my girls could of spent more time with her as well. I know the time they did, it will always be memorable.
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My deepest sympathy to Paul and Mark someone as special like Deanna can never be forgotten.
I’ll always remember our last trip to Grenada.
Rest in peace Deanna
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Auntie Dean was definitely the most fun aunt I ever had. I will miss her.
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My deepest condolences to Paul and Mark. I have so many wonderful memories of Deanna and special times we shared.. She was a joyful spirit filled with laughter and music. Rest in peace dear friend. I will miss you but hope you’re saving me a seat!
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My deepest condolences to Paul and Mark. Deanna and Paul are like family and I will continue to have fond memories of her. We shared lots of laughs over the years. We celebrated many birthdays together. Even through her health challenges she continued to to stay positive and laugh. I will miss her dearly. ~M
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I met Deanna in Lake Tahoe, CA. There was a singer in Harrah’s Hideaway Lounge who I stopped by to listen to every night-some of you may have met her or heard of her-Mildred Jones. One night she told me a friend of hers would be stopping by; he was to be the entertainment at Harrah’s new Summit Restaurant. The friend was Paul Balfour. Soon after I met Deanna. That was 47 years ago and our friendship filled with laughter, some tears, stories of high and low, but mostly filled with an unconditional love for each other, never faltered. Deanna, my dear sister-woman-friend, no one will ever, because no one can, take your place. My heart aches but my soul smiles knowing how lucky I am to have known you all those years!. Please be there when I get off the glory train, and prepare heaven, because girl, you know the party aint over! “Esto no es ‘adios,’ esto es ‘hasta luego,” because I will see you again…
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May God grant the family peace during this difficult time! Blessings! Keith Byrd
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My condolences to Mark and Paul. My Aunty Deanna was the most contented person I’ve ever known. She was always the life of the party. She loved life, and she lived her life to the fullest, without a mummer nor complain. May she sleep in perfect peace.
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She had a joyful, bubbly presence that will be missed. One of a kind LADY.
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Deanna brought a sense of peaceful joy to any gathering she was in. Her love , support and wisdom made her Paul’s perfect partner.
I hadn’t seen her in recent years but my memory of Deanna will always be strong .
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Deanna will be missed and always remembered. We had many good times together with many good stories to tell. Rest in peace Deanna. Love you x
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I first met Deanna in Nairobi, Kenya. Paul was performing at the International Casino. I think I made every performance, and sought out many more in New York when Paul and Deanna were living there. Music was the gateway to a close and lasting friendship with the Balfours. Deanna had an aura of joy, and a smile and laugh that embraced all around her. “Deanna was the type of person that never met a stranger” is a beautiful way of describing that embrace. My family including my wife, mother, and brother and his family all became close friends — and it felt like family… Many wonderful unforgettable memories including Christmas together in Nairobi, an unforgettable expedition to Kenya’s remote Lake Turkana that Deanna dubbed “Shake & Bake”, the Staten Island Ferry, musical pub crawls in NY and tours of Las Vegas are just a few; and through every memory that joy, smile and laughter adorned. Underlying that joy, smile and laughter was strength. I was astonished by that strength as she endured health challenges. Deanna never seemed to lose that aura of joy, the smile or the laughter. I called her my Bionic friend. RIP Deanna. We will never forget you.
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On behalf of the Bell Family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mark and Uncle Paul.
My mom Joan Bell was a close friend to Aunt Deanna.
They were friends for over 50 years.
Joan Bell adored and cherished her sisterhood with Aunt Deanna.
” In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
John 14:2
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I will miss my Deana I loved her so much she was a very special person in my life such a beautiful human being.
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Deanna, was my maid of honor at my wedding. I had a typical Vegas wedding, and Paul and Deanna made it a perfect day.
I will miss you my friend. ?M
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Condolences on the loss of Deanna..I was really sorry to hear this..
.Deanna was a wonderful..fun..young spirited lady..
PAUL and Mark hold on to all the great memories of her❤❤
*Nancy Warth*