Debra Bramwell Simmons

Debra (Debby) Bramwell Simmons (67) peacefully passed away on January 30, 2021. Debby was born in Washington D.C. to Dee and Martha Holt Bramwell. She graduated from ODU in 1975 and lived in Virginia Beach and Lake Gaston NC for 45 years. This year the family moved to Florida to be closer to her step daughter Tara Swope and her loving family. Debby was a professional at entertaining large gatherings of family and friends in the home that she and Keith built on Lake Gaston. Debby spent 30 years in elementary education teaching children that she loved. She taught in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Madrid. She especially took pride as a reading specialist for Windsor Oaks Elementary in Virginia Beach, VA. She maintained her passion for reading as her favorite pass time in retirement, and she enjoyed sharing and discussing her books with her family and friends. Debby is survived by her husband, Keith, of 44 years, step daughter Tara Swope, husband Erik, and her two grandchildren Kobe and Tatum Swope. She relished the time spent with her grandkids mentoring, showing how to love and enjoy life. Debby has three brothers, Barry, Douglas, and Gregory Bramwell. Her brother’s families and Keith’s family were her own. She will be remembered by loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous life long friends. Debby loved life and was adventurous. She started out camping with the simpler pleasures, graduating to travel, cruising and resort living.The family lived in Madrid Spain for six years. This was an ideal opportunity for her to experience Spanish art, history, cuisine, and to shop with her friends.

Debby carried that loving and caring personality from the classroom to her family and friends. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. She loved life to the fullest.

A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date for family and friends. Please express your love of helping others by sending your donations to Reach Out And Read.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME Jacksonville Beach FL.