Debne R. Strazzella

Debne Reaves Strazzella, 79, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband of 58 years, Robert “Bob” Strazzella, and their two daughters, Brooke and Allie. She was born on May 17, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Bill H. Reaves and Mary Abernathy Reaves.

Debne earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Delaware but chose to devote her life to being a loving homemaker, wholeheartedly supporting her husband and raising their daughters. Debne’s unwavering devotion to her family shone thorough in every aspect of her life, whether through countless sacrifices, gentle encouragement, or the quiet acts of love that only a mother knows. Over the years, the family lived in many places across the country—including Delaware, Pennsylvania, California, Louisiana, Georgia, and Michigan—due to Bob's career. They ultimately settled in South Carolina on Lake Greenwood after Bob’s retirement. No matter where life took them, Debne’s warmth and grace forged lasting friendships with everyone she met.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Debne described her as elegant, intelligent, funny, and kind-hearted. Her wisdom, quick wit, and thoughtful guidance will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched. Debne was passionate about playing bridge, listening to music, watching true crime documentaries, and engaging in long, meaningful phone conversations with her beloved friends and family. Despite her frequent frustrations with modern technology—joking that she should have been born in a different era—she embraced the conveniences of the digital age, delighting in her remote-controlled chair, streaming apps, Sonos system, and even TikTok. A lifelong reader, Debne was involved in many book clubs and Bible studies, and served as a Stephen Minister for several years. She also kept a journal where she collected her favorite poems, scriptures, and memorable quotes from books and plays.

Debne’s legacy of unconditional love will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. She leaves behind a void that will never be filled, and her absence will be felt profoundly every day. Debne was the heart of her family, and they will miss her more than words can express. One of her journal entries paraphrases lines from the Rabbit Hole play by David Lindsay-Abaire. Fittingly, she wrote that grief “never goes away” but “the heaviness shifts so it becomes bearable. It is like having a brick in your pocket. Sometimes you forget about it, but it is always there.”

Debne is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Paul Strazzella; daughters Brooke S. Cutter (Michael) and Allison “Allie” S. Brantley (Terry); and five grandchildren, Derek Robert Noone (29), Emily Anne Noone (27), Abigail Rose Brantley (23), Grace Elizabeth Brantley (23), and Katherine Debne Brantley (23). She is also survived by her sisters, Darlene Reaves Klein (Ronald) and Marianne Bradley. Debne was predeceased by her sister, Betsy Jo Reaves, and her brother, Bill H. Reaves. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

A Requiem Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Debne’s honor.