Deborah Taylor Albers

Deborah Taylor Albers passed into heaven on October 25, 2014 surrounded by family after a long and feisty battle with Breast Cancer that started in 1995 and Ovarian Cancer that started in 2011. Through her many battles, she always loved her Lord and maintained an amazing perspective and sense of purpose. Even in her last days she always gave us that wonderful smile that would make our day.

Deborah’s proudest times were with family, from raising her two sons to spending as much time with her grandchildren as possible. Deborah’s fondest memories were of family holiday times, special events with her children and grandchildren, and trips with family and friends. In her retirement years, Deborah volunteered at St David’s Medical Center, eventually serving as President of the Volunteer Program. She also volunteered at Bethany Lutheran Church in various roles including the Vacation Bible School Program which was very special to her.

Deborah was born to Lloyd and Charlotte Hill on July 31, 1952 in Amarillo, Texas. She grew up in Amarillo and married Bill Taylor soon after graduation from Amarillo High School. Deborah and Bill raised two sons – William and Bradley. After Bill’s death in 2003, Deborah later married Alan Albers. Deborah graduated from West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Texas A&M University Commerce.

Deborah spent 32 exciting years in Texas public education in the DFW area and in Central Texas. She served as an Elementary and Middle School Teacher, a Middle School Assistant Principal, and finally as an Elementary Principal for her last 11 years. Deborah loved children and her educational passion was to ensure all children learned to read well. She is also remembered for her desire for continuous improvement in all aspects of school activity and learning.

Deborah is survived by her husband Alan, her son William, wife Cally and grandchildren Whit, Henry, and Evi and her son Bradley, wife Laurie, and grandchildren Berklie and Brielie. She is also survived by her Mother Charlotte Noyes and husband Robert Noyes and her brother Toby, wife Rochelle and their children Lloyd and Keri.

The family would like to thank the staff of Texas Oncology (Balcones location), Seton Hospital, St David’s Medical Center, and Hospice Austin for their excellent, caring service. Deborah was privileged to touch the hearts of other cancer patients at Texas Oncology with her positive attitude in all situations during her treatments, but she also felt the servant attitude of those who administered to her oncology needs and who became her “other family”. The angels who work there every day are special people and they’ll always be remembered by her family.

Deborah’s Celebration of Life will be on November 2, 2014 at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, Texas, 78749. After the service, the family would like to invite attendees to Bethany’s Community Life Center and share refreshments and stories of Deborah’s many great times.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Deborah’s memory to the St. David’s Medical Center Healthcare Volunteers’ Memorial Fund. Through the SDMCHV Memorial Fund, scholarships are funded for students pursuing a degree in medicine or a medically related field. Students must be attending a Texas school and be enrolled or have been accepted into a medical or medically related program at the time of application.

Scholarship applications are posted online annually by December 1st. Applicants must submit a completed application and supporting materials by a due date, usually in late February. The SDMCHV Scholarship Committee, of which Deborah was an active and valued member, spends several months in a screening and interviewing process that culminates in the awarding of $5,000 scholarships/student for each semester, fall and spring. Awards are forthcoming on or around June 1st.

Scholarship funding is supported through investments, fund raising efforts and Memorial Fund contributions. For the 2014-15 academic year, 15 scholarships were awarded totaling $75,000.00.

Donations to the SDMCHV Memorial Fund can be made in Deborah’s name and mailed or submitted to St. David’s Medical Center, Volunteer Services, 919 E 32nd St., Austin, Texas 78705 (Attn: Jacki Allen, Director with the word “Scholarships” on the Memo space. This fund provides scholarships to Texas college students studying to enter the medical profession. Deborah served on this scholarship committee and was always amazed at the quality students who were assisted by this fund.