Deanne Lucille Azbell

The curtain fell with thunderous applause as the last cue was called by Deanne Lucille (McCormick) Azbell on July 4th, 2022 at Riverside Hospital. Deanne, Loving Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Teacher & Friend Always knew how to make an exit. Not to be upstaged by fireworks, she quietly slipped away after placing the ghost light, one last time. Deanne, a local fixture, Stage Manager for Columbus Children’s Theatre, Teacher for decades at Columbus City Schools, & Gahanna Public School, advocate, and champion of the love of learning. Deanne was heavily involved with the Central Ohio Teachers Association, Columbus Education Association and Ohio Education Association, heading up several committees & conferences. She is survived by her behind the scenes leading man/devoted Husband of 47 years, Durward Azbell; Daughter/Partner in Crime, Christa (Azbell) Whightsel; Son(in-law)/Comedian Joseph Whightsel; Brother/Canonized Saint, Duane (Jan) McCormick; Fur Babies, Chocolate, Tonks and Lupin and various family and friends. Deanne is preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Irma (Cole) McCormick. Honoring the family’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10351 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH 43065. Please contact Christa Whightsel at [email protected] for additional information and RSVP.