Born on September 25, 1958, in Savannah, Georgia, Deborah Joy Williams grew up surrounded by family and the special traditions of coastal Georgia.  Some Of her happiest childhood days were spent during summers on Tybee Island, when her father would take his annual vacation and the family would enjoy boating, crabbing, fishing, and water skiing on the Back River. Those carefree summers created memories that would last a lifetime.

Deborah always had an air of mystery about her, accompanied by a mischievous streak and a talent for getting into trouble. And trouble wasn't necessarily something she stumbled upon — sometimes she and her friends carefully planned their adventures! You never quite knew what Deborah might be up to next, and that was part of what made her unforgettable.

That adventurous spirit followed Deborah into adulthood. She was immensely proud of earning her registered nursing license, and her career eventually took her to the skies as a flight nurse aboard a medical helicopter at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. Responding to emergencies and caring for critically ill and injured patients, Deborah combined her love of adventure with a dedication to helping others.

Deborah later continued her nursing career caring for psychiatric patients. As her own health began to decline, she transitioned to part-time nursing in nursing homes. Although her circumstances had changed, she continued doing the work that had been such an important part of her life — caring for others.

Deborah had a special place in her heart for her beloved Labrador retrievers. Hunter, Dallas and later Bella, brought her companionship, comfort, and joy.  Bella now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her adoptive family, where she continues to be loved and cared for.

Her laugh and love will be missed by her mom, Sylvia A. Williams, and sister, Gail W. Patefield.  She was predeceased by her father, Almon H. Williams, in 1997.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 11am at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, GA.