Remembering Debbie on the anniversary of her death and remembering her friendship and love over 55 years.

Debbie once told me that when she met me she didn’t think that we would ever be friends.  Will, she was wrong about that.  We shared many things during our 15 year relationship.  Among those shared items were wine, she was always drinking from my glass - no one else’s glass - only mine!  Many nights after troupe when we were at Weslayan,  Moya, Debbie and I would stay to chat and drink wine. She told me several times how much she missed those times with the two of us.  Debbie was a most generous, caring, and thoughtful person! She always had enough food, snacks, wine, etc. - more than enough for everyone.  Every holiday and birthday you received a Jacquie Lawson email card from her.  She was a bright light 🌟 in many people’s world.  We miss and will love you forever!  Dance in heaven, Debbie. ❤️

Debbie's joy and generosity were amazing. To celebrate one of her birthdays she threw a party for the dancers at Sirrom School of Dance. She invited all the students to a dance celebration where she taught us an amazingly complex zill pattern that a troupe of dancers could synchronize perfectly, once you knew the secret. Within a short time,  we were all playing our zills in time and dancing. I also must add that she made a contribution to the Houston Marathon. It is traditional for performers to come out to the route to give the runners some extra inspiration and moral support along the way.  The dancers of Sirrom were always there. Debbie was dancing and cheering everyone on at the 20 mile mark, where many runners quit. I was able to make it to the finish line because she gave me a big hug! Debbie brought magnificent joy in so many ways! 

Each morning at Beirne Maynard & Parsons when I heard Debbie jingle-jangling down the hallway toward our corner, I could be assured that my day would include smiles and positivity.  Debbie was filled with light and shined it on everyone around her, and I was lucky to have it shine on me for so many years.  She was remarkably unperturbed by lawyers throwing demands at her all day, every day - a true talent.  Debbie lived life to its fullest, a great example to us all.  I'll miss her.  My condolences to Ron and her family, Pam Hicks    

I knew Debbie at age of 12. We lived a block from each other. Her sister Sharon was big Sharpon, I was little Sharon. Knew her brother Joe some too. We went to High school together and graduated 1970. She was a dood hearted, kind girl then. We lost track , then found each other again about a year ago and was messaging on facebook. I was hoping to go to Texas and see her this summer,but can''t now. My heart is broken from the girl I knew  to the woman she became. I'm so happy she had a long marriage and loved what she was doing. She will always be in my memories.


Rest in peace my dear coworker and friend.  The old gang at BMP will miss your vibrance and that beautiful smile! I will miss when I asked you to do "that thing" and you would roll your tummy. I love you.
Your friend Dale

Debbie truly made a difference in this world and most certainly my life  and many others would have been very different had it not been for her. I first walked into her class at the Sirrom School in 1991. Debbie was a force, she WAS light.... changing so many lives for the better ... inspiring commitment to community, love of dance, creating sisterhoods ... and brotherhoods... extended families... She shared her life,  her love, holiday dinners,  laughter, knowledge, encouragement, enthusiasm, talents and gave so freely of herself and her time....  Gratitude to Ron  - thank you for sharing her with us. 
Love and condolences to all who's lives have been touched by her.  
Rest now in peace....  or perhaps it's better to just keeping dancing... OPA!    
With gratitude, respect and love, 
Z. 



My Aunt Debbie was always so much fun.   She always had a good joke and a big smile.   She was never a quite a person.  I think that added to her charm.   

I can remember as a kid she would babysit my sister and I.   She would play games and chew our butts as needed.   

She gave my daughter her first belly dance skirt, when she found out she was going to be in a belly dance class in high school.   

I am going to miss my aunt more than I can say.  

Daniel Copeland & Family.  

Debbie, you were such a light and joy in everyone's life.  We will miss your  smile and energetic fun.  We are so thankful that we got to share lots of fun get togethers with you and Ron. You will be missed by us and the thousands of people whose lives you touched.
Love you
Margie, Keith, Judy and Phil

For a long time, Sirrom was like a second home for me. And within those walls I gained my dance family. I always told Debbie she was like that cool, crazy aunt - the one that gives you your first taste of wine when no one is looking. :-D  And though it had been ages since I have seen her, she still holds that place in my heart.  

I am so sorry for the huge loss that her family and the Houston bellydance community have suffered. She was a fun, vibrant, beautiful soul with a larger than life personality and an infectious laugh and she will be greatly missed.

This picture captured the beautiful love Ron and Debbie shared 

My. Heart is broken my dear friend was truly a Angel on earth my prayers are for Her wonderful husband Ron they were wonderful the perfect couple. 
May he have the peace in all their memories 
Angels surround you always 
Debbie now dancing in heaven with all our angels that preceded her 
Save me a place Deb🙏🙏

Debbie, your laughter will be missed, but your memory will continue to shine in my heart.  I am playing the King’s hula for you as I write this and remembering it as the first time we began using rut-roh.  To touch other’s lives is the best legacy we can share.  You win.

Ron (and all of the dance community), I am deeply sorry for your loss.

My love,
Sandra

I’m a little jealous of heaven right now. They gained an extra amazing angel and I know you’re up there dancing with everyone and teaching the ones how, who don’t. Many prayers to you Ron and the family, prayers for comfort and peace. 

My favorite memory of Debbie is when she and other friends danced at my wedding almost 27 years ago. She was a generous vivacious lady and will be missed. 

Dear Debbie,

Although no words can really express my sadness now that you have gone away, I want to tell you that we will always be connected by the heart and thoughts. 

I love you and I miss you Debbie

OBITUARY

Deborah Joann Scheel

20 January, 1952 – 6 January, 2021

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

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Deborah Joann Scheel

SECTION 21 - Garden of Peace