Ms. Debbie Kaye DeVaney Lewis' Obituary
Debbie was born into this world on March 5, 1956. She was born to parents Ray and Phyllis DeVaney. She grew up in Rockwood, TN, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. She began working at an early age, was a saxophone player, and a majorette in high school. She graduated from Rockwood High School in 1973. She was then off to travel the world with the $500 she had saved from working. She moved as far away as she could from her hometown, which landed her in Hawaii, 7000 miles away from her hometown. She fell in love with a man, who would become her first husband, Leighton Kipilii (who proceeded her in death). Soon after, they had a beautiful daughter, Keanuenue, which means, “the rainbow with all its colors.” Kea was the light of their lives.
Debbie put herself through nursing school while she worked as a certified nurse’s technician while in the beautiful state of Hawaii. She had a zest for life. Debbie worked as a nurse for 30+ years. She made many friends in those years. She loved her career, though it was difficult and sad at times. She developed bonds with staff members, patients, and their families. She was a caretaker to many with a heart so big that she would do anything to help people she knew and even those she didn’t. She frequently gave to the Nashville Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, and American Retarded Citizens. She loved to cook and bake. Gardening was another of her passions. She loved to sit outside on a beautiful day with her life partner, Roy, while they had cold drinks, comfort foods, and listen to the oldies. She and Roy devoted 18 happy and loving years of their lives to each other.
After calling Nashville her home for the last 30+ years and with being a nurse for even longer, the family would like to give all those who knew and loved her a chance to come together and remember all the good times, humorous moments, share loving thoughts, and words of encouragement with the family. Please join us in celebrating her amazingly, beautiful life this Friday, March 2nd, 2018 from 1-3pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home in Madison, TN with a Celebration of Life to begin at 3pm. The family would be honored for those that knew and loved her to come celebrate her memory, to love, laugh, reminisce, shed a few tears, and remember together her beautiful life.
As she has now joined so many others in Heaven such as Kea’s father, Leighton Kipilii; her loved ones that remain on this side must go on with life without her. We continue to ask for prayers and positive thoughts for her life partner and best friend, Roy A. Moore III; loving daughter, Keanuenue Kipilii; devoted son-in-law, confidant, and business partner, Marq Peoples; caring son, Maurice Little; loving grand babies, Jaden Brooks, Justis Brooks, Jizella Brooks, Maison Peoples, and Markell Little; along with parents, Ray and Phyllis DeVaney; brother, Craig (Katie) DeVaney; and sister, Kim (Darrell) Cates; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews scattered from Tennessee to Hawaii and throughout the US.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home, 5110 Gallatin Rd., Nashville, TN 37216. 615-865-1101.
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