Deborah "Debbie" Ann Topper

Deborah "Debbie" Ann Topper of Mount Vernon, IN, passed away on August 19, 2025, at Mount Vernon Nursing & Rehabilitation. Debbie was from the north side of Evansville. She met her future husband, Donald Topper, while attending White School in Evansville’s far west neighborhood of Mud Center. She graduated from F.J. Reitz High School as Deborah Holmes. Debbie and Donald were married on November 17, 1967. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in 2024.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Debbie was the heart of the family. She always found unique ways to mark birthdays, graduations, and holidays, often traveling long distances with Donald for special events. Debbie was preceded in death by her grandparents Giles (Bill) and Mary Kelley, father Victor Tucker, mother Vera Tweddell, sister Bethany Lincecum, sister-in-law Barbara Holmes, and brother-in-law Max Wood. She is survived by her husband Donald, children Todd (Chere), Jason (Carrie), and Danny (Lisa), seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother Michael Holmes, sisters Becky Wood and Ava (Bob) Peterson, and brothers-in-law David Anderson and Greg Topper.

Debbie was a longtime active member of Mount Vernon Community Church - Black’s Chapel. The church was Debbie’s foundation, and her fellow church members were like family. In addition to volunteering for the church, Debbie applied her many skills to a variety of jobs, including managing Southwind Smorgasbord. Once her children were grown, she paired an entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for dogs. For over twenty years, she owned and operated the Milk Bone Connection, a dog grooming and kenneling business. She did extensive genealogical research, contacting relatives nationwide to fill in details of the family tree. Throughout her lifetime, Debbie was a crafter. Knitting, crochet, and sewing came naturally to her. She learned to knit custom Christmas stockings from Donald’s grandmother and sold commissioned stockings for years. She was an experienced hand quilter, piecing tops and then quilting on the frame that Donald built for her. She also enjoyed gardening, bowling, and playing cards. Debbie’s can-do attitude, boundless energy, and generous spirit were hallmarks of her life.

Friends and family may visit on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Alexander West Chapel, 2100 W Illinois Street, Evansville, IN. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 6:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Gene Backes and Pastor Troy DeKemper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Debbie may be made to Mount Vernon Community Church - Black’s Chapel, 1800 W 4th Street, Mount Vernon, IN 47620, 812-838-0318, ([email protected]).

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.