With profound sadness, her family announces the passing of Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” W. Stevens, the heart of her family, on June 19, 2025. She was in her 69th year.
Born to Joyce M. Wessells and Donald E. Wessells in 1955, Debbie would grow up and live the entirety of her life on her beloved Chincoteague Island. She is one of the few people blessed to have grown up with the love of her life, who lived one block away! Debbie married her soulmate and best friend, Jefferson F. Stevens, on June 20, 1973.
Debbie was a proud mother of her children, Stephanie, Jeffrey, Donnie, and James. Debbie was a wonderful mother-in-law to Gene, Tiffany, Tomalea, and Rebecca (Becky). She was a dedicated grandmother to Annie, Gene Jr., Jeffrey Jr., Christian, Bronson, Kaelin, Daniel, Destin, Trinity, Jaedin, Kimber, Kristen, Mikaela, James Robert Jr., and Thomas Jefferson (T.J.). She loved her newest title of great-grandmother that came with her recent batch of little ones: Easton, Ryder, Katherine, Kira, and Emryn. She eagerly awaited adding more to her great-grand quiver with the anticipated arrival of Tobias (Toby) and Beau. The family was one of active growth, and Debbie happily grafted new people to love: Destry, Phillip, Lauren, Brianna, Jenna, and Taylee.
She lived a full life as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife. She loved to bake, play bingo, spend time with her large family, plan date nights with her husband, attend local services at The Church of God, listen to the Union Baptist services on the radio, and manage her real estate business alongside her daughter Stephanie.
Debbie will be remembered for her legacy of generosity. She supported the ministries of the island churches and quietly provided comfort to those in the community, from delivering warm meals to providing warm, fluffy blankets around Christmas time. Her “no strings attached” acts of kindness were genuinely sprinkled throughout the community and family year-round, with the intent to just make someone’s life a little better or to help them smile.
The family cannot think of Debbie without recognizing her love for animals and her support for local shelters and Shore animal rescue organizations. Debbie was a loving mom to her “fur babies:” Lucy-Lou, Button-Buck, Abbey, Marley, Benjamin, Oreo, Toby Keith, and a small pounce of cats. She lived a life surrounded with things to love and nurture.
A celebration of Debbie’s life was held at the Union Baptist Church, 6365 Church St., Chincoteague, on Wednesday, June 25, beginning at 2 p.m. Attendees were encouraged to wear bright colors to the service to celebrate Debbie’s love of colorful things and her colorful life.
In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, please make donations to the Eastern Shore SPCA no-kill shelter in Debbie’s memory.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
