Deborah Shanks Gann

On June 24, 2023, Deborah Gann left this life and entered the presence of her Savior at the age of 72. Born in August 1950, to Leo and Lillian Shanks in Memphis, TN. Deborah became affectionately known as “Debbie” to many of her friends and family. Debbie graduated from Treadwell High School, Memphis State University (BA Education), and Cumberland University (MA Education). She taught Business and computer classes throughout her 42-year education career.

It was at Treadwell High School that Debbie also met the love of her life, James Gann. Debbie was a devoted wife and enjoyed 51 years and seven days of marriage to James, who gave her much love and many laughs. Debbie lived a full life focused on God, family, friends, and her community. She was a loving mother to her three children: Christy, Ashley, and Nicolas. She had so many friends who were dear to her heart and she cherished every moment with them. Debbie was an excellent cook and the heart of her home. She often showed her love by hosting meals with family and friends featuring delicious entrees, sides, and desserts, all homemade with love! Many of these recipes had been passed down through Debbie’s family or shared amongst her friends. When you were invited to Debbie’s table, you could expect quality time and conversation. Debbie took a genuine interest in the lives of her family and friends and was a gifted conversationalist.

Debbie was a grandmother “Honey” to four grandchildren - Wyatt and Silas (Ashley and Jason), and Lyla and Cameron (Nicolas and Jennifer), who were great joys in her life. She loved to regularly surprise them with clothes, books, and toys; little “happies” as Debbie called them, and never turned down an opportunity to spend time with her grandbabies. Debbie was an avid reader and enjoyed snuggling up with her grandchildren to read a book with them.

Debbie was an active member of Germantown United Methodist Church and a Master Gardener. She also spent countless hours volunteering at the Germantown Community Library, Memphis Botanic Garden, and the Memphis Area Master Gardeners. Debbie loved sports and spent much of her life watching and following the teams of her children and grandchildren, as well as all the local sports teams. She made sure to attend all of her children’s sporting events throughout their childhood, which included cheerleading, basketball, football, baseball, and even those long track and field days. She remained a lifelong Memphis Tigers fan. Go Tigers Go! If you wanted to see Debbie during the fall and winter months, you may have had to catch her in Tiger Lane or buy a ticket for the next sports game! When the Grizzlies NBA team was introduced to Memphis, Debbie became a devoted fan and eventually became a season ticket holder (along with Tiger football and basketball… so many games!). Debbie had an active social life and frequently went to lunch with friends, enjoyed double dates, and attended parties and gatherings. Debbie always looked forward to her book club and bunco nights with friends. She loved to send cards to family and friends for every occasion, from birthdays to holidays. She also loved meeting neighbors each morning to walk the dogs together.

Debbie is survived by her husband James, her children Christy, Ashley (Jason), and Nicolas (Jennifer), her grandchildren Wyatt, Silas, Lyla, and Cameron, her sister Sharon, her niece Ronda (Les), nephew Greg (Virginia), as well as her dogs Rosie and Gracie. Debbie will be remembered by those who loved her for her warmth, her laugh, and for all the special ways she showed her love to others. Please honor Debbie with a special moment with your family and friends: cook a meal for your family, send a card, hug your loved ones, walk your dog, read a good book, or sit on the beach with your toes in the sand.

Services for Debbie will be held on Saturday, July 15th, in the Germantown United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 2331 S. Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Lakeshore United Methodist Camp and Retreat, 1458 Pilot Knob Rd, Eva, TN 38333.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Gann family.