Deborah "Nana, Mom, Deb, Debbie, Ms.Deb" Kay Zeppering Bolan

Deb, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, February 28, 2021. She was in her home away from home surrounded by her loving family as she went into the arms of Jesus. After a valiant five and a half year battle against cancer with God by her side every step of the way it was time for her to go home to be with the Lord.

Born February 24, 1948 in Ft.Wayne, Indiana she was the daughter of the late Ralph Mervin Zeppering and Mary Jeanette Jones Zeppering. Throughout her early years all who loved her called her “Debbie”. She grew up in Marion, Indiana. Debbie had a love for cats, painting by numbers, embroidery, playing card games, rollerskating, being active in various school clubs, and anything that included her precious family, friends and neighbors. One thing was for certain no matter what she was doing or where she was she had a mega watt smile on her face, that never ending contagious joy in her heart, that unforgettable zest for life, and a hug for anyone she could get her arms around.

Deb worked for a little over a handful of companies throughout her professional career. She was an asset to every company she stepped foot in. Early on she felt blessed to hold titles such as a file clerk, buyer, assistant, legal secretary, and office manager. She worked in Human Resources for many years. No matter her position she was dedicated, reliable, and created a pleasant, friendly, fun work environment.

Even when she was working full time in HR, busy being mom to two teens, and having gone back to college to complete her lifelong dream of earning her degree (which of course with her determination she did from Hiram College in 2000) she always had a way of making everyone else feel important, comfortable, like they mattered, and that she cared for them. She made time for everyone even if her schedule was jam packed. She loved people. She cared. She listened and she gave advice. If Deb could help in any way she would. She loved and she loved well---at home, at work, everywhere. Her most recent position prior to retirement was serving as one of the Senior Executive Assistants for Duke Energy. All who knew Deb Bolan and have worked alongside her will share her smile, her laugh, her positive attitude, hard work ethic, and commitment to going above and beyond were all some of her best attributes. Plus, she always had a generous stash of the "good candy" to happily give away. Giving made her heart happy just as her presence made our hearts happy. It didn't matter if she was in the board room at Duke, an elevator, a classroom, the store, church, Levine or home...anywhere and everywhere she went...she lit it up with her warmth, kindness, and love.

The joy of Deb’s life was her family. She was a devoted mother. She cherished her children and her time with them. The support, encouragement, and love she gave was unceasing and undeniable. Deb…Momma B…attended all school and sporting events, cheering fiercely at every event. In each and every day, milestone and life event she was there with an open heart, mind, ear, and shoulder to cry and lean on, ready to love in any way needed. As much as she loved her two children nothing could compare to the love she had for her two grandsons. Her greatest honor, joy, and blessing was being “Nana” to her two most favorite people on the planet. Nana soaked in every second with her boys. Whether they were eating sugary treats, watching favorite shows, playing outside, walking around Target, or simply being together—that was her favorite and what she considered Heaven on Earth.

When she wasn’t hard at work loving her family or serving others she enjoyed reading, playing puzzle games on her iPad, chatting with her big sister on the phone, solving Suduko, watching Crime or Game shows, “putzing” or spending time with her BFF and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie or two. She was the first to tell you she didn't cook or like to bake but she sure did love to watch cooking shows. She was known for the plethora of yummy snacks in her pantry and refrigerator. She had simple taste and was content with a plate of cheese and crackers, a Hostess cupcake or a Wendy's cheeseburger (often times paying for the car behind her in the drive through line--random acts of kindness like that made her heart sing). An occasional steak with a potato or a plate of nachos hit the spot too but she always wanted to know what everyone else wanted first. Putting others' needs first brought her pleasure, enjoyment, and pure delight.

She is survived by her son James Michael Bolan of Charlotte and daughter Melissa Lynne Wise and beloved son in law Shaun Christopher Wise of Unionville; and two wonderful grandchildren that were the loves of her life Brayden Christopher and Cooper Michael of Unionville, NC; dear sister Pamela Rae Hufford of Milford, Illinois; adored niece Amy Jo Hufford Crawford of Milford, Illinois; and Carol Wise who was not only Deb's treasured best friend but also family as they joyously shared grandmothering to their beloved grandsons.

Deb was a member of Carmel Baptist Church and taught Kindergarten Sunday School for many years before she got sick. Even though she wasn't too theological she loved the Lord, she trusted Him with all her heart, and the ways she lived and loved leave no doubt she is rejoicing with her King.

Her life will be celebrated at Carmel Baptist Church when we are all able to safely travel and gather with COVID restrictions lifted. Our hearts desire/hope is that we will be able to come together sometime late Spring or early Summer. We feel this will be the PERFECT time to collectively celebrate our vibrant, exuberant, joyful, vivacious, radiant, stunningly beautiful inside and out lady.

We would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts, including our Levine Cancer Institute and Hospice of Union County "angels", for the unwavering, faithful support, encouragement, love, care, and prayers so freely given and shared throughout her courageous battle with cancer and now.

She requested that in lieu of flowers she be remembered by sending donations to the Levine Cancer Institute, Dept. of Gynecologic Oncology or The Humane Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.