Deborah "Debba" Dulin Ely

Ely, Deborah “Debba” Dulin passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2024. Born September 6, 1949, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Debba moved to Tampa at the age of five. Predeceased by her parents Magaline Taylor Dulin and James Walter Dulin. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Mark Ely, and her children, Liz and Brad (Elizabeth), grandson Jake, sister Jan Weiss, niece Amelia Weiss and Amelia’s son, Roman, and an extended Ely family. Deborah attended Mitchell Elementary, Grady Elementary, Wilson Middle School, and Plant High School. She graduated from Florida State University, where she was president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart Mark Ely and traveled many places while he was in the Air Force, finally settling back home in Tampa. She briefly taught at Buchanan Middle School and finished her teaching career at Wilson Middle School, where she taught 6th grade and was a mentor. After retiring, Debba enjoyed spending time with her large extended Ely family, traveling (especially St. John USVI), fishing, watching her grandson Jake play ice hockey, and going on long walks with Mark to local parks where they counted the alligators and turtles they saw. Debba and her sister, Jan, attended Broadway plays at the Straz and recently started playing trivia on Wednesday nights as the team “Sister Act”. She was also a longtime member of Bayshore Baptist Church and proudly served on the Preschool Committee. Debba lit up a room with her smile and always said something to make you feel better about yourself. She always saw the best in people and was the most positive person you ever met. She will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life for Debba will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the fellowship hall at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W. Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33629.

Contributions in Debba’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.