Deborah Spease

Deborah Lynn Ray Spease, 66, departed this life Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Nov. 24, 1954, in Cape Girardeau to the late Carl Wayne and Lois Phillips Ray.

Debbie had retired from teaching kindergarten at Naylor, Missouri, R-II School. After her retirement, her love of teaching led her to continue her career at Springhill School of Hope. She also worked at the Ripley County Library in Doniphan, Missouri. She attended church at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Springhill Baptist Church and Fruitland Community Church. She was a dedicated Sunday school teacher. Debbie was a member of Missouri State Teachers Association, National Association for the Education of Young Children and was a Girl Scout leader in Naylor teaching all ages. Debbie touched the lives of many with her warmth and love. She took her students to heart and considered them her own "little ones." She had a positive influence on all she came in contact with and has left behind a legacy of love, caring, and thoughtful generosity.

Survivors are her children, Mark (Tammy) Spease of Fairdealing, Missouri and Barbara Spease (Randy) Norman of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; grandchildren, Josh Norman and Justin (Tiffany) Norman both of Poplar Bluff; great grandchildren, Jacob and Colt Norman; her sister, Dena (Mike) Shelton of Jackson; her brother, Dennis (Julie) Ray of Jackson; nieces, Nicole Ray (Jamie) Cody of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Natalie Ray (BJ) Curry of Pierce City Missouri, Cassidy Shelton of Rogers, Arkansas; nephew, Christopher (Katrina) Shelton of Columbia, Missouri; great-nieces, Ava Kramer and Elizabeth Grace Shelton; great-nephews Micah Kramer, James Cody, Will Curry, Ben Curry and Andrew Shelton. Also surviving are many dear family members and friends, including her special friend, Coach Ed Nichols of Cape Girardeau.

Private family services are planned at this time. A public celebration of life will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Springhill School of Hope: The School of Hope, 530 Ripley Route BB, Fairdealing MO 63939; (573) 857-2034 or PayPal: springhillschoolofhope@hotmail.com.

Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.