Debi was a 1974 graduate of Central High School, graduated from UTC and pursued a career in accounting. She began her career with Red Food Stores holding various positions in accounting. Debi was self-employed and acting Controller for Scenic Land Companies LLC, GenTec and McLemore. She was a member of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance where she held various local and national leadership positions. She was also involved with Boyd Buchanan Parent Council and had been very involved in the Children’s Ministry at St. John United Methodist Church.
Debi was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, foster grandmother “Sassy,” aunt and friend. She is survived by her husband, Tom Gilley; two sons, Taylor (Morgan) Gilley and Trent Gilley; step-daughter, April (Paul) Mohon; parents, Travis Jack Blackwell, Barbara Coffey Blackwell; two sisters, Christy Blackwell and Becky Blackwell.
A memorial service will be held at 6 PM Monday at St. John United Methodist Church with the Rev. Randy Martin, the Rev. Barry Kidwell and the Rev. Dallas Beck officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boyd Buchanan School, 4650 Buccaneer Trail, Chattanooga, TN 37411.
