Debra "Debbie" Watts Ward
October 8, 1959 ~ April 21, 2021
Born in:
Lawton, OK
Resided in:
Candler, NC
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021 we lost the glue to our family. Most well known as “Mom”, “Gigi”, “Aunt Deb” and to many, “Best Friend”, Debbie Ward went home to be with the Lord, while surrounded by her loved ones.
Debbie was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, but was raised and made her life in Asheville, NC. Known for her beautiful voice and contagious laugh, she was the kindest, happiest, most courageous woman you could know. She fought a long, hard battle and is now free from this earth to watch over us all.
She will be dearly missed by her life-long friends, the many friends she made teaching at Sand-Hill Venable, her church and mostly by her family. She leaves behind the love of her life and husband of 37 years, Larry Ward; her children, Hunter Ward (Nicole) and Brittany Meehan (Jake) and grandchildren, Peyton and Cooper Meehan; her mother, Judy Watts; sister, Janet Marin (Allen) and Isabella and Jackson Marin; sister and brother-in-law, Mike and Donna Kellis (Lauren and Megan); along with many cousins, aunts and uncles that were dear to her. She is preceded in death by her father, Buster Watts and brother Oliver Watts Jr.
No more suffering, no more tears, we will hold our heads high knowing she is still near.
For all those who loved her and were touched by her beautiful soul, there will be a celebration of life on Friday, April 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at West Asheville Baptist Church (926 Haywood Rd).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (ovarian.org) or locally, Hope Women’s Cancer Center (hopewcc.com).
Services
Celebration of Life: April 23, 2021 4:00 pm
West Asheville Baptist Church
926 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
828-252-3535
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember her beautiful smile in church. She is with our Lord and Savior with no more pain or sorrow. God bless and comfort the family.
Janet, Judy and Debbie’s family,
When I think of Debbie I will always see her beautiful smile, hear her sweet voice and her pride when I asked about each of you. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and may you feel his peace and comfort. Prayers for all of you, especially in these coming days as you say your earthly goodbyes.
Dear Friends, our hearts are saddened, but there will always be love, and sweet memories there for a wonderful lady named Debbie!
We love you, and are here for you!
In Psalm 30:5 it says, “Weeping may endure for a night , but Joy comes in the morning!”
Thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. The Lord will be near you to comfort. His embrace is complete and His love eternal. What a precious smile and sweet disposition Debbie shared with everyone. She will be missed. Praise the Lord we will all be reunited for all eternity through Jesus Christ. May God’s promises bring comfort to your hearts.
Jesus said…
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” JOHN 11:25-26
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain… REVELATION 21:4
With deepest sympathy.
Larry, And all the family. Bill and I are so saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. We are praying for peace and comfort for all of you in the days ahead. Bill and Pat.
Debbie was a huge influence in my childhood at church and I think of her with warm memories. She had style and grace and such a kind heart. Many prayers to you and all her family.
Heaven has surely gained an awesome angel. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the memories and happy moments close. Praying for all who loved her especially her dear family.
Martha and I are so incredibly sad to learn of Debbie’s passing. Wish we could be with you on Friday. Your family has always been a blessing to us, and we are praying peace that passes all understanding for each one of you.
Larry, Judy, Brittany & Hunter, I don’t have the words of how sorry I am to hear of Debbies passing. She was such a beautiful lady and I was proud to call her my friend. I love each of you and will pray for comfort. Please call if y’all need anything.
Love, Ken & Sonia
Judy, Larry and Janet – We were so very sad to read about Debbie’s untimely passing. We remember all of you so fondly from Grace. May God be especially close to you as you deal with missing someone you love so much.
Harold and Cathy Walsh
Dear Larry and family, there just are no words at this time, I worked with Debbie for many years and felt so blessed to have her as a friend. What I remember most about Debbie is that whatever she did, she did it with every part of her being. She loved the students that she taught and she loved her friends but most of all she loved her family!! She was so proud of each and everyone of them!!! I will so miss her smile but I know that she is looking down and smiling at all of us with the knowledge that it will only be for a short time before we all will be together again. Please now that I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Clontz
Larry and family, please know you all are in our prayers and may God’s grace be with you.
Judy: I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Judy, and Family… So saddened for your lost…Judy, I wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you.🙏
Joel and LaRue Neilson
Judy, we are so very sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. You and your family are in our prayers.
I’m terribly sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry, Brittany & Hunter, I am so sorry for the loss of sweet, wonderful Debbie. She brought joy to all those around her and will never be forgotten. Her laughter and smile will forever live in my memories of her. She loved you all so very much and I know she will be watching over you. Debbie will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her, but she will live on forever in our hearts. I will continue to pray for your peace, comfort and strength for the next days, months and years before you. God Bless
Jerri and Jesse Cordell
Larry, Judy and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Debbie. I love your family and you are all in my prayers.
God Bless,
Steve, Marisa, Bailey and Emalyn-Claire
Larry and family, We were so sorry to hear about Debbie. So many wonderful memories came flooding back remembering you all at Grace. May you keep those special memories close to your heart. May the love of God put His loving arms around you and keep you close. We are remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mike and Gail Joyner
Holding each of you in prayer while remembering the beautiful light that Debbie brought into my life.
Larry, we’re so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and you’re family at this time My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless
Larry, our deepest condolences to you and the family. Our prayers are with each of you during this sad time.
Larry, Brittany and Hunter. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ronnie and Kathy Rector.
I was so sadden when I heard about Debbie. I have so much love and respect for the watts family. I can just imagine all the grief, sorrow and sad faces . But I can also see that big Heavenly smile on Busters face as he welcomes Debbie into her heavenly life with him. May God bless all of you.
Larry, Brittany and Hunter and family,
We knew Debbie and her bright personality through the Oakley family. We send you our prayers for God’s strength, grace and mercy over the coming days. May the prayers of others help sustain you.