Debartha Ann Huggins

The love story of Debartha Ann Cleaver and Michael Lawrence Huggins began in 1947 in East St. Louis, IL.

Deb was an excellent student at East St. Louis Senior High and a member of the National Honor Society. Never idle, she worked at Sears Roebuck after school. Upon graduating, she began her career as a secretary. First at a dress factory in St. Louis and later at Cargill. She ended her career as personal secretary for her good friend, Dr. Musman, at the Department of Agriculture.

Michael went by several names. Nicky was his mother's choice, Mick was Deb's choice (most of her family used this name) and to his friends and colleagues, he was Mike. He loved baseball and after watching him play, Deb stole one of his cleats, ensuring they would meet again! Mick said he loved her red hair. After "courting" for a few months, they married.

People were still getting back on their feet following World War II. Items rationed during the war like sugar, butter, and even shoes, were still hard to get. Still, their small wedding was lovely; beautifully set in a large home by a stone fireplace. There was no special honeymoon, but a receipt kept from their wedding night revealed a night's stay at the French Village Motel. The bill was $4.

The elated couple welcomed Michael Wayne to the world in 1949. He was a beautiful blonde bundle of joy. In 1951, another beautiful blond bundle arrived - Kevin Dale - and their family was complete.

Over the years, as Mick received promotions, they made several moves. They began in East St. Louis, then Miami, FL, St. Joseph, MO, Wheaton, IL, and eventually, Virginia. With each move, Deb made a beautiful, warm, and loving home for her family.

In 1983, the couple retired to Ocala, FL. Mick loved golf and Deb worked joyfully and tirelessly in Bible Study. They moved to Virginia in 2016; spending time with family. Mick and Deb were married for an amazing 72 years, and by God's grace, they have been reunited in heaven.