Debbie Ann Emory

Debbie Ann (Arndt) Emory was born February 2, 1962, to Dwight and Shirley Arndt in Lawton, Oklahoma. She passed away peacefully on July 21, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Debbie graduated from Apache High School in 1980.  She enjoyed cheering, band, and lifeguarding,

Debbie moved to Chester Virginia in 1987 raising her daughter, Reshelle, and working civil service alongside her mother Shirley Arndt at Fort Lee Virginia.

In 1997, Debbie and the love of her life Preston Emory tied the knot. At that time, Debbie’s daughter, Reshelle, was babysitting for a couple in Chester, Virginia, who happen to be friends with Preston. When Reshelle discovered that Preston was single, she took the opportunity to inform him that her mother was also single. Shortly after, Preston arrived at their doorstep with a bouquet of flowers for Debbie and a single flower for Reshelle.

Debbie tackled every home renovation project that came her way. From patching the ceiling to laying vinyl in the bathroom, she was always ready for a challenge and to lend a hand. Gardening was Debbie’s passion, and she had formed beautiful flowerbeds that surrounded her house. She also enjoyed using her creativity and artistic skills to make special and personalized gifts or items for the people she cared about. Debbie loved weekend trips to the campground, where she would relax with a book by the pool, take late night golf cart rides, listen to live music, and watch her grandkids fish and crab on the river. She also enjoyed going to yard sales and the Flea Market with her brother Terry. Debbie cherished baking moments with her granddaughter, creating precious memories together.

Debbie retired March 1, 2019, from DECA at Fort Lee Virginia after working 35 years civil service.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 25 years Preston Emory; daughter, Reshelle Claborn (Michael Penna), Reshelle’s sister, Abrey Fowler, Jessica Emory; son, Marc Emory; grandson, Jordan Claborn; granddaughters, Bailey Claborn, Julia Penna, granddaughter Kayla Penna, Aundrea Penna, Leah Penna; grandsons, Jacob Emory, William Vincent; brothers, Terry Arndt (Sally Arndt), Kent Arndt (Shelia Arndt); Uncle Shelby Crawford (Kaye Crawford); and  many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dwight and Shirley Arndt; brother, Ricky Arndt; and great-nephew, Emeric Arndt.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Apache Nutrition Center at 301 E Evans Street, Apache, OK 73006. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.