Deng Danshi

Deng Danshi was born in 1884 and died in 1926. She was from Danjiawan in Wanghengsheng Town, Guang'an, Sichuan Province. She is the mother of Deng Xiaoping, a core leader of the second generation of the Chinese Communist Party.

Deng Danshi came from a well-off family of elegant ladies, with a noble demeanor, and was skilled at managing family and neighborhood affairs. According to records from later generations, she had a gentle personality, never scolding her children or others, and was good at reasoning. She was often praised by neighbors as a "clean official" who resolved domestic disputes.

In her personal life, Deng Danshi married Deng Shaochang. Deng Shaochang, courtesy name Wenming, was initially married to Zhang, who did not have children. After their marriage, Deng Danshi was two years older than her husband. A year after their marriage, they had their first daughter, Deng Xianlie. Two years later, their first son, Deng Xiaoping (originally Deng Xiansheng), was born. Subsequently, Deng Danshi also had two other sons: Deng Ken, originally Deng Xianxiu, who later served as Deputy Governor of Hubei Provincial Government, and Deng Shuping, originally Deng Xianzhi. Additionally, she raised a second daughter, Deng Xianzhen, who sadly died prematurely at the age of ten.

Deng Danshi was caring toward her children and especially loved her eldest son, Deng Xiaoping. Deng Xiaoping once studied in France through labor and study programs, often missing in contact, which deeply worried her. During annual family reunions during the Spring Festival, she would prepare meals and often tear up, showing her deep affection for her family.

In 1926, Deng Danshi passed away due to illness at the age of 42. Though her life was short, she earned respect in her community for her gentle nature and her ability to mediate family affairs. She also provided a solid family environment that contributed to Deng Xiaoping’s later development.