Debbie was the eighth of nine children born to the late Albert and Evelyn Stratton in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Nathan B. Forrest High School in Jacksonville and moved to Waldo, Florida a few years later. She began a family and pursued a career as a printer, running the print shop and mail room at Bear Archery in Gainesville for several years. During that time she became an avid archer, winning several tournaments in her division. Later in life she worked as a rural route mail carrier in the Waldo area, befriending many of her patrons throughout the years. She had a deep love for her family, which was perhaps most often demonstrated in her frequent family dinners and family trips to the beach. Her uninhibited laugh and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
Debbie is survived by three daughters, Rachael (Joshua) Ryals, Rebecca (Cameron) Jackson, and Megan (Andrew) Lease; six grandsons, Noah, Elijah, Jansen, Nolan, Lucas, and Julian; two sisters, Betty Stephens and Susan Wallace, and several nieces and nephews. Her imprint is left behind on each of them, and they will carry on her legacy of love for one another.
The family would like to give special recognition and thanks to the staff at Haven Hospice in Gainesville for the compassion and care they showed to both Debbie and her loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home & Riverside Memorial Park at 7242 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32205. Interment will follow.
