Deborah “Debby” Anderson
Deborah Louise Anderson (Born October 12, 1954)
It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah (Debby) Louise Anderson (Taylor) announces her passing on Sunday, February 4, 2018, at the age of 63. Debby is the youngest daughter of the late Roscoe and Helen Taylor. She has two sisters, Yvonne (Eve) Taylor and Elizabeth (Liz) Taylor. Debby is the beloved aunt of Renee Falk and Beth Graham and dear cousin to Linda (Ken) Chmiel and Nancy (Rich) Fowler.
Debby is a graduate of Ritenour High School and received her training as a physical therapy assistant from Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley (Kansas City, MO). Early work included Cardinal Glennon Hospital and work as a home health provider. Debby retired in 2015 after working for Special School district for 29 years, providing physical therapy services to special needs students in a wide variety of schools, primarily in the Rockwood, Parkway, and Valley Park School Districts. Debby cared deeply for these young children and was much admired for her exceptional work ethic and commitment. During her time at Special School District she developed lifelong friendships with many of co-workers.
Debby married Darryl Gene Powell in 1976. Together they raised two children, Justin Darryl Powell and Erin Jeannette (Powell) Snider.
In addition to raising her own two children Debby was a loving grandmother of four, affectionately known to them as Neena. She was always sure to provide a fun and safe place for her children to play. There was always an endless supply of snacks, crafts, games, movies to watch, and holiday dinners and treats.
Debby found love and her best friend William (Bill) Anderson and married in 2014. She became the loving stepmother of Bill’s three children, James, Mary Beth, and Emily and gained two sisters Amy King and Patti Anderson. The two families merged seamlessly into one large loving unit.
Family and friends were Debby’s passion and delight. Debby was a cheerleader for everyone and was the first to come to anyone who needed encouragement and support. She loved to host and care for her loved ones and was incredibly dedicated to their happiness. She also enjoyed hiking, biking, travel, and listening to live music. Debby has been a very active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as both a participant in the relays and as a team captain.
Debby was passionate about her faith and study of Christ. She was an active member of The Journey Church. Through the Journey food bank she helped provide for a number of local families.
Debby is survived by her husband Bill, her children Justin Powell (Hollie) and Erin Snider (Daniel), and her grandchildren Tullaia, Jasper, and Avery Powell and Ruth Snider.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at The Journey, West County located at 625 N Meramec Station Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021. Services will be at 10:00 am, with time after to visit with the family. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Debby had planned to walk in Relay again this year and the link to her Relay fundraising page is as follows:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY18NOR?px=41488166&pg=personal&fr_id=88205
We are so deeply saddened and pray for your comfort and strength. We love you all so very much and will miss our best friend. Debby, thank you so very much, God put you in our lives and everyone who met you is a better person because of you. Til we meet again.
Bob and Cheryl Skrivan
I’m so devastated that this loving family is going through this. Our love and prayers are with all of you. Bill you know how much we love you anything we can do let us know John,Mary Beth,Ashley and Mike,Caitlin and Tommy
The words and pictures showed everything I knew to be true about this beautiful soul: warm, kind, generous, beautiful, and loving.
I know praying for God’s peace to come to you is wishful thinking at the moment, but I will still pray, today and often, that you can find comfort from time to time knowing that you were loved by an amazing woman.
I’m a co-worker of Debby’s sister, Yvonne. My heart and prayers are with the Anderson Family and Yvonne. It’s difficult to see the light in the midst of tragedy and sadness but know that others are sending their love, prayers, and strength your way. Please hold onto each other and reflect on the great memories of Debby; this will get you through, along with GOD’s grace and love.
Debby was such a kind, gentle caring soul who touched the lives of so many people. I am praying for comfort and strength for you and the entire family now and in the days to come. She will be missed and never forgotten. I am very blessed to have had her as a friend.
I am a family friend of the Skrivan’s, and so sorry for the loss of Debby. She was always spoken of and I got to meet her a few times coming into Three Dog Bakery. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She has touched so many peoples lives and made a difference in helping others. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family and all her friends.
Bill and family, Debby touched my heart for many years and I am so thankful our paths crossed thru Relay For Life. She had the kindest and warmest heart. She will be missed by all. May our Lord and Savior’s arms give you comfort at this trying time.
My heart aches for the entire family and friends. I am forever grateful that Debby was brought into our lives. She helped to shape me and I’ll never forget that. Debby, I love you. Thank you for being the light, the good in all of our lives. You were a gift to us all. I wish I could put into words what you mean to me, and to my family.
To the family: You are strong and so loved. Know that we are all here and praying for you.
I love you, momma. Thank you for loving me and being the most amazing friend to my Mom. I’m sorry for the glitter in your dining room that will remain there until the end of time.
I am truly sadden to hear about Debby. I will always remember the fun times we had at Westridge and her beautiful smile. May her love ones find peace and comfort in the precious memories of your beloved Debby.
How Debby will be missed! Words can’t describe the sadness.
A dear friend, a colleague and such a strong woman.
Love and strength to her loved ones.
Meg Brooks
Erin and family,
Thinking about you and sending you prayers during this difficult time.
The Cleveland Family
It is with such sadness that I write this. I have known Debby for more years than I can remember both as Justin’s first grade teacher and as a colleague. Debby has always had such an infectious smile that comes through in every picture. May all of you find comfort in knowing how much Debby was loved not only by you the family, but by they thousands of people she touched. Prayers will continue as you go through this most difficult time. Fondly, Kitty Copple
Debby and I started off as colleagues, but became very dear friends along the way. She touched so many lives in so many ways and will be truly missed. Thank you Debby for enriching my life with your kindness, honesty and friendship. Love you –
Prayers for the family as they grieve and learn to take joy in the memories.
I considered Debby a dear friend. We laughed and worked side by side many years. She was a great joy to me and will be missed dearly. My heart goes out to her family and friends. Such a devastating loss to us and a Great Gain to Heaven.
Words cannot describe the sadness I feel for everyone in Debby’s family. I pray for comfort and peace at this difficult time. I’ve known Debby for the last 32 years. Our girls were best friends for years as well as our sons. Debby was like their second mother. She was one of the most amazing, beautiful & compassionate women I’ve ever known. She will make a remarkable Angel. You will truly be missed. ??
I feel lucky to have known and worked with Debby. She impacted so many lives. I am forever grateful to have been the recipient of her encouragement and support throughout my teaching career. Sending love to her family.
I was so sad to hear of Debby’s passing. I worked with her at Westridge and we became good friends. We had some fun times and I can still remember her giggle. She was great at her job and loved her kids and grandkids. I am so sorry and will miss her greatly.
Sincerely,
Donna Adams
Debby,
I will miss your smile and laugh! I will miss your thoughtfulness.
Our time together just keeps getting sweeter…which makes this so much harder to bear.
Thank you for your love!
Such a beautiful person, both inside and out. The kids always came first, both at work and at home. It is such a loss to all of you and the world. I will continue to pray for all of you during this very difficult time.
I had the privilege of teaching with Debby at Westridge and being part of Relay for Life with her. She was such a delight to work with and was a wonderful mentor to me. She always had time to talk and wonderful ideas. Debby was such a sweet and caring person and I have nothing but sweet and fun memories of her. My prayers are with your family. I am so sorry she was taken from you too soon.
Beth Moore
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Debby has a beautiful soul and a warm kind heart that she touched all she met with. She was a blessing to have met, may she have peace and she will be missed.
Robin
We were so sad to hear of Debby’s passing. Debby was a committed therapist and was well respected amongst her friends and colleagues. Our condolences to her family.
I am so saddened to hear of his news. What a wonderful colleague and friend Debby was to so many. We are praying for all those closest to her.
Debby,
You have been the best friend anyone could ever hope to have. We have shared laughter and tears for more years than I can remember. Even though I am shattered by the loss of our friendship, I hope and pray that in time I will find some comfort in all the wonderful memories I have of our times together. Your faith kept you strong and was always an inspiration to me. Because of you, I am a better person. Thank you for being you. Love you always my friend, Pat
I was so saddened to hear about Debby. I worked with Debby at Westridge and saw the genuine care she gave to the children and the sincere friendship she showed to all she met. I’m praying for comfort and strength for her family and friends.
Erin, Justin and your families,
Words cannot express how sad I am. When I was lucky enough to run into your mother she would light up as she bragged about both of you. May you feel her love wrap around you and comfort you.
Debbie, you’ll be missed. Two of our other classmates have passed away this week also… I am not at liberty to say their names, but I am sure that they will be there with many of friends and family members who are already there, to welcome to your eternal life. One of the the other classmate that past this week was very close to my heart… Give him a hug from me
Hugs…. Enjoy your eternal life
Carolyn Walter Gurley