‘Genuine kindness:’ Former Ga. First Lady Sandra Deal remembered for her dedication to education

Former Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal died at the age of 80 on Tuesday night, according to her family.

Deal died Tuesday at her home in Demorest surrounded by her husband, former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, and their family.

She had been battling breast cancer that metastasized to her brain. She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

During her time as First Lady between 2011 and 2019, Deal worked to improve literacy across the state, visiting schools in all of Georgia’s 159 counties and 181 school districts to read to students.

Officials across the state are remembering her for that dedication to educating the minds of young Georgians.

Many, like current Governor Brian Kemp, are also remembering Deal’s “refined spirit” and “genuine kindness.”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Governor Kemp released a lengthy statement on Tuesday night detailing Deal’s life and legacy from her time in office.

“As she will for so many Georgians, Mrs. Deal will remain steadfast in our hearts and memories, just as her family will be in our prayers during this time of mourning. As she goes to await them in a greater world, we ask all Georgians to join us in celebrating her life and contributions to a thankful state,” Gov. Kemp said in his statement.

Governor Kemp’s opponent in the upcoming general election, Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams, also released a statement saying Deal left a “indelible mark on Georgia.”

Democratic Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock expressed his sadness at hearing of the First Lady’s passing.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his condolences and remembered Deal as a “voice for our state’s families.”

Former Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler highlighted Deal’s faith and called her a “tireless advocate” for students across Georgia.

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan expressed that he and his family were “heartbroken” over Deal’s passing.

“She made the role of First Lady her own and served to educate and inspire all who visited the Governors Mansion. Our hearts, like those of every Georgian, go out to Governor Deal and his family during this time of profound grief,” Duncan said.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said Deal “could turn a stranger into a friend by the end of a conversation” and said she had the “uncanny ability to connect with [students] in a way that only our favorite teachers can.”

Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston called her “the source and inspiration for the greatness of Governor Nathan Deal.”

Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer released a statement on behalf of Georgia Republicans.

“Our hearts hurt for Governor Nathan Deal and all of Miss Sandra’s family. She will long be remembered and greatly missed,” Shafer’s statement read.

Deal was the mother of four and grandmother to six. She and Nathan Deal were married for 56 years.

In 2017, Georgia College and State University unveiled the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy to carry on her legacy.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.