Deborah Lynn Dickey
Surrounded by her family, Debbie passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 3, 2024. Born on June 21, 1953, to Arthur Eugene and Lena Porter Dickey who predeceased her, she grew up in Kelso, Tennessee loving her days on the family farm.
She is survived by her adoring daughters, Lauren Broadway Lawson (Andy), Whitney Broadway Neiss (Greg) and Reed Broadway. Affectionately known as Dede, her grandchildren Leighton and William Lawson and Riley and Bennett Neiss meant the world to her. Her greatest passion was her family and studying the history of the Dickey, Gray and Porter families.
Also surviving Debbie are her brothers Dan (Carol) Dickey and Don (Myra) Dickey. She was dearly loved by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and countless friends. Her community was loyal, strong and supportive.
Debbie graduated from Central High School Class of 1971 and Middle Tennessee State University. Her career spanned 45 years with the Tennessee Department of Health, serving as Director for Lincoln County and several nearby counties from 1986 until her retirement in 2020. Her colleagues were like family to her.
Never one to be idle, Debbie volunteered with several organizations with her favorites being The Fabulous Fifties Show in Fayetteville, TN and serving as a table hostess for Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant in her retirement.
She will be remembered as a loving, faithful, selfless mother and friend. Her humility, “can do” attitude, work ethic, and friendly demeanor immediately drew others to her. No task was too large for her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, TN from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. Internment to immediately follow at the Kelso Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Deborah Lynn Dickey.
Deborah, she was a sweet lady. And her beautiful daughters. I will miss seeing her. Love ❤️ Pam.
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all during this time. God Bless, Mary, Teresa Partin, & Billy McGehee
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for the family.
Dear Lauren, Whitney & Reed. We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort. Love, Anthony & Kay Honey
Lauren, Whitney, Reed, and families-I am so very saddened to hear of Debbie’s passing. You girls were her whole life and she loved you dearly! She taught me life lessons about work ethic, integrity and service to others that I will carry with me always. She lived an impactful life with dignity. . I hope you find comfort in the wonderful memories.
I graduated with Debbie and was also a cousin to her ex I loved her so much she was the sweetest person around my prayers are with her daughters and grandchildren and the rest of her family I will definitely miss her
Prayers and thoughts for Debbie’s girls and family during this time of loss. She was such a pretty lady and always with a smile. You can rest knowing she loved each of you and was so very proud.
My sincere condolences during this time.
I’m so sad to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was so precious. Loved her. Praying for all the family. 🙏🏻
Debbie my wonderful cousin. I will think of you often. I wish I could be there to see you off but I can’t, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. We miss the times we had with Danny Don and you.
Joseph Porter
Debbie was what I consider the definition of a true southern lady. Always looking for ways to make someone else’ life better. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was the outside. Her smile and infectious attitude will truly be missed.
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s death. We lived next door to her when her little girls were small. Her aunt Doreen Dickey Simpkins was a dear friend many years and she loved Debbie. Anne and I will pray for all of you
Sending our love and sympathy to this dear family. Debbie was a beautiful lady inside and out always smiling. Will keep you in our prayers.
I’m sorry for your loss Whitney she was a wonderful women i would tell u it got better but it don’t I lost my mom almost 6 years ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Be praying for the family and friends
Debbie was a pure joy to work with. Even though she had just retired, when Covid hit, she came back to help Moore County Health Dept. by answering the phone and helping in any way she could. My deepest condolences for her beautiful family.
Praying for Debbie’s daughters and all of her family members. She was a beautiful lady. Delaine Ellis Johnson, Class of 71.
We love this sweet, beautiful lady. She always shared a smile, a hug and a positive comment. She raised three amazing ladies. We are thankful to have known her. We see d our love to her family.
Mike and Sandy George
She was a wonderful lady and will be dearly missed by many. She was a wonderful boss who was also a friend. Our deepest sympathy to family.
A very sweet person. Debbie led a full life. She will be missed.
Reed,
Iam so very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was such a sweet person. I know how extremely proud she was of her three wonderful daughters!
Love and prayers,
Fran Rawleigh
What a precious lady! I am glad she is no longer suffering but am so sad for her beloved daughters, grandchildren, and all who loved her.
I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing . She was very supportive of me when I worked at the Health Department. Sending prayers for her family.
Saddened by the passing of this beautiful lady. Always smiling and such a sweet demeanor every time I would see her. Love and prayers to all the family 🙏🙏
Lauren, Whitney, Reed and family, I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please allow all your precious memories help heal your hearts. My prayer is for God to provide comfort during this difficult time. She was loved my many.
Debbie and her family were like our second family she was so loved and a special lady she could always make you laugh
Lauren, Whitney & Reed I am so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. Sending prayers for strength.
Love Lori Claiborne
I’m so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. I’ve know her casually since high school & college but really got to know her working with the Health Department on a Project Diabetes Grant. What a joy to be around. Prayers for comfort to her Family.
We are just Heartbroken for the Loss of our Loving and Beautiful Classmate. She meant a lot to us because she kept us all together. She will be Greatly Missed by all who knew her. God Bless the Family and Friends with Comfort and Peace in the Days to Come.
I loved Debbie from the moment I met her many years ago. Always so friendly to everyone, she will be remembered by countless folks. My profound sympathy to her family and friends. She suffered her illness with poise and grace. May she rest in peace.
Debbie was such a priceless Beautiful Lady.She touched everyone’s heart and soul she came in contact with.She will truly be missed .She always told me when I worked as the nurse at the jail,they were blessed to have me.I will never forget that or forget her.God has definitely gained another Angel .Prayers to all her Family and Friends.
She will be missed by many and remembered by all she came into contact with. She was a beauty in 1971 and even more so the last time I saw her at our 50th reunion in 2021. May God wrap his loving hands around the family as they deal with her death! See you later on the other side
Deb was a remarkable lady I loved her like a sister She will be missed by our Class of 71 and many others that knew her
Lauren, Whitney & Reed I am so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. Sending prayers for strength.
Love Lori Claiborne
She was such a beautiful girl and was so much fun. I will always remember the fun we had in our teenage years. My heart and prayers go out to her beautiful girls, Danny and Don.
So very sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. My family loved her, one of the kindest, sweetest ladies to work with in her career of helping people. She will be so missed. Pamela loved her Debbie and worried over her so much. She enjoyed visiting her before Pamela got so sick. I’m thankful they shared this time together.