Last Word: With Kelley Deal

Something many people don’t know about me: I share my birthday with my sister. She’s three years older. Some people have asked if I mind sharing my birthday. No! It makes for a great celebration!

My passion is: giving it my all whether as a wife, in my career or as a friend.

The most important thing I ever lost: was a friend. Good friends are hard to come by.

My best friend says I am: a good listener and always know what to wear.

My theme song would be: “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

Favorite piece of clothing in my closet: is a faded ECU T-shirt.

Best accessory I have ... it goes with everything: My best accessory is my husband.

Words I live by: Philippians 4:8

Favorite book: I have read many of Nicolas Sparks’ books and love them all.

I am most proud of: the brave men and women who make up our country’s military.

What keeps me awake at night: the dogs. No, more seriously, it often saddens me when others are unhappy or going through tough times ... especially when there is little I can do to help.

Best present I ever got: was right after I graduated from college and started life on my own. It was a plastic box similar to a small tackle box you would buy at Wal-Mart. In it, my Dad had hand-picked tools that he thought I would need. He included items such as small hand tools, nails, screws, etc. I still have it.

The world would be a better place if: we restored family values.

The best advice I ever got: was probably the lessons my parents taught me on finances. From an early age, they taught me to be frugal, not living beyond my means.

I’d like to learn: to play the flute again. I played throughout middle school and high school, and I bet I’d pick it back up quickly.

My last major purchase: was my home in 2004.

People should take time out, every day to: find something to be thankful for ... even on the bad days.

A person I really look up to and admire is: I’d have to say my parents. I can’t pick just one.