Debra Lane Talbert Williams, 66, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away Thursday evening, April 23, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, as a result of natural causes unrelated to Covid-19. She was born June 4, 1953 in Edinburg, Indiana, a daughter of the late Carroll and Rosemary (Collee) Talbert.
On July 13, 1980, she was married to Scott Williams in Shelbyville; he survives.
Raised in Shelbyville, Indiana, she was a 1971 graduate of Shelbyville High School. Debbie attended Ball State University, Grand Rapids Junior College, Grand Valley State, and later graduated with a degree in education from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks in May 1986.
Debbie taught in Fairbanks and at Lebanon High School. Her professional and volunteer involvement with social service agencies included the Resource Center for Parents and Children in Fairbanks, United Way of Monroe County, and Boone County Senior Services.
Debbie was a dedicated member of Central Christian Church in Lebanon since 1994 where she was a church leader, a strong voice, and a certified Stephen Minister and Leader. Debbie was also a proud member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter DS, where she put her writing skills to work helping women gain access to higher education. She created an annual scholarship for Lebanon High School as another way to honor and support education.
She was full of adventure, from traveling to Europe in 1969 with a high school choir group to living eight years in an Alaskan log cabin. She loved her family fiercely and was a devoted friend and exceptional care giver to those needing care. She was thoughtful, wise, and gave wonderful gifts. She held firm, humane, and generally liberal opinions, and would patiently and thoughtfully explain why yours, if otherwise, were wrong. She was an unfailingly loyal and supportive mother and mother-in-law, and took great joy in her two young granddaughters.
Survivors include her husband, Scott Williams of Lebanon; son, Andrew James Williams and wife, Andrea (Lindner) Williams of St. Louis; granddaughters, Emma Louise Williams and Edna Reese Williams; brothers, Gary Talbert (Janet) of Louisville and Greg Talbert of Shelbyville; mother-in-law, Betty Catherine “B.C.” Williams of Shelbyville.
In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her sister, Sandy.
A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held at a later date at Central Christian Church in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with her care.
Memorials may be made in Debbie’s memory to Central Christian Church – El Salvador Fund either through ccclebanon.org or at 311 E. Main, Lebanon IN, 46052.
