Deborah Ann Lightfoot Wells passed away at her residence on Wednesday, May 14, 2020 at the age of 67. She lost a valiant battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Debbie was born in Brunswick on February 7, 1953, to the late Warnell Emmett and Bess Herndon Lightfoot Shadron. She was a lifelong resident of Glynn County and was a member of the Baptist faith. Debbie was a 1971 honor graduate of Glynn Academy and attended Brunswick Junior College, where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She joined the Glynn County School System in 1970, working part-time as an administrative assistant in the Personnel Department. Debbie worked in the following departments during her 32-year tenure with the school system and Public Information, Research and Comprehensive Planning, Payroll, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Public Relations. From 1987 to 1990, she worked for the Georgia Department of Education’s Teacher Evaluation Project, which was based in Glynn County. She retired in 2013.
Debbie volunteered for the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the PTA. She served on the PTA executive boards of Glyndale Elementary School, Jane Macon Middle School, Brunswick High School and the Glynn County PTA Council. She was presented the Honorary Georgia PTA Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of volunteering for children.
Debbie’s favorite hobby was taking care of her lawn and flowers, especially her beautiful camellias, which she shared with friends, assisted living centers and nursing homes. Debbie also loved to shop, attend musical concerts of every genre and go with friends to Broadway shows in Jacksonville, and most importantly, spend time with her loving family.
Her survivors who will cherish their memories include her loving son, Christopher Blake Wells of Waverly; adorable grand dog, Cooper; brothers, Ed Lightfoot and his wife, Susan, of Brunswick; Kenny Lightfoot and Laura Long of Brunswick; Marion Shadron and his wife, Irene of Waycross; sister, Sandy Lightfoot of Sarasota, FL and brother-in-law, Bob Pittman of Brunswick.
Debbie is also survived by several special nieces and nephews. They include Brian Harrison, Brandi McDonald, Brad Lightfoot and Brandon Lightfoot. Her loving great-nieces and great-nephews are Mason Harrison, Koie Kirkland, Kara McDonald, Gracie Lightfoot, Kennedy Lightfoot, Trevor Oglesbee, Katie Moseley and Carleigh May. Debbie is also survived by many special cousins as well as a host of dear friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Lightfoot Pittman of Brunswick and her stepfather, Monroe Shadron of Brunswick.
Her family appreciates Debbie’s “Angels Without Wings” caregivers for their excellent care, compassion and love during her ALS battle: Haley Garrett, Ruth Crews, DeeAnna Finleyson, and Roberta Jackson.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be made in Debbie’s memory to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.
