After moving to Central Florida as a toddler, Debbie grew up in Pine Hills and attended Evans High School, graduating with the class of 1972. She worked at the local Fairway deli and was a customer favorite for making subs.
In her sophomore year, Debbie met Ronnie Green through mutual friends and they were inseparable from that point on. They were married October 20, 1972. Together, they enjoyed 48 years of marriage and were blessed with five children.
Debbie was a born-again Christian and a faithful member of the congregation at First Baptist Church of Central Florida for most of her adult life. There, she sang soprano in the choir, taught Sunday School, led AWANA, and ministered to others in any way she could, whether it was helping throw a baby shower, counseling a young mom, or cooking a meal for someone who was ill.
In recent years, Debbie attended Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford and was especially fond of their beautiful choir and the hymns of R.C. Sproul.
Debbie was a natural caregiver and never met a stranger. A meticulous homemaker and wonderful cook, she was blessed to stay home with her children and homeschooled all of them until they graduated, while instilling biblical values and godly wisdom along the way. She tirelessly cared for her parents in their elder years, as well as her younger brother Jeff and many friends throughout their cancer battles. She never retired from pouring herself into her family and friends, cooking delicious meals, making quilts for loved ones, and babysitting her grandchildren.
In 2016, Debbie was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which later metastasized in recent years. Throughout her cancer journey, Debbie never wavered from her faith in the Lord. She often quoted Psalm 48:14: "For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." She had peace in knowing Jesus Christ as her Savior, and looked forward to the day she would meet her Lord face to face and have a sweet reunion with her mother, father, and younger brother Jeff, who all preceded her in glory.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband Ronnie, daughter Shannon Rice (husband Jeremy), daughter Sharla Green (partner Steve), daughter Sally Alford (husband Brian), son Samuel (wife Chelsea), and daughter Sharon, ten beloved grandchildren — Blythe, Dawson, Sydney, Julia, Derek, Selah, Blaine, Valor, Xanthe, and Bo — older brother Don, aunt Nancy, and many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 10th, at 10:00 AM.
Saint Andrew's Chapel
5525 Wayside Drive
Sanford, FL 32771
In lieu of sending floral arrangements, donations may be made to Sanford Crisis Pregnancy Center by visiting www.TheDifferenceIsLife.com. If you would like to bring a flower for Debbie's Celebration of Life, please consider a single rose in keeping with her wishes:
"I'll go to a beautiful garden
When my life's work is through
Don't spend your money for flowers
Just a rose will do"
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