Debbie L. Forker

FUNERAL HOME

Rose Funeral & Cremation - Broadway

1421 N. Broadway

Knoxville, Tennessee

Debbie Forker Obituary

FORKER, DEBBIE L. - age 57 of Powell, died unexpectedly Monday, April 30, 2007. She was very patient and attentive to the needs her family, friends, neighbors, and business acquaintances, always sending notes and cards for important events and occasions. Her caregiving nature served her in a career as a dental hygienist before she joined her husband in business serving as Vice President of Sawing Systems. Debbie was a lifelong animal lover who kept two beloved Chocolate Labrador Retrievers and filled her yard with bird feeders, bird baths, and Bluebird houses. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her father, William DePalo, Sr. Her survivors include: her husband, Joel Christopher Forker; mother, Elsie R. DePalo of Neptune, NJ; sister, Kathy DePalo of Ocean, NJ; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Debbie DePalo of Albuquerque, NM, Glenn and Judy DePalo of Shark River Hills, NJ; niece, Karie Ann; nephews, Lee and Chris; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janet Lukenbaugh Forker and Rev. Walter Frank Forker of Indiana; and brothers-in-law, Mark Andrew Forker of Indiana, Dr. Thomas Stephen Forker of Pennsylvania, Walter Jonathan Forker of Indiana, and Neil Printz Forker of California. The family will receive friends 6:00-6:45 p.m. Thursday followed by a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. J. Stephen Misenheimer and Rev. Amy Figg officiating. Interment will be Saturday in Tinton Falls, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the Believing, Belonging, Becoming Capitol Campaign, c/o St. John's Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917 or the Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., Knoxville, TN 37919. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com.

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from May 2 to May 3, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Debbie Forker

Sponsored by love.

12 Entries

Scott & Eileen Frostholm

August 2, 2007

Debbie is a very wonderful person. My family's prayers go to you, Joel. I know she is smiling down on you from heaven.

Herb Novell

May 22, 2007

Our prayers go out to Debbie's family. Joel, you are in our prayers.

Your friends at Henkel Corporation in Seabrook, NH.

Penelope Horrocks O'Donnell

May 10, 2007

I have known Debbie (Snaggle) since we were in kindergarten. We played with dolls, swam in her pool, played kickball, rode our bicycles, etc. She always loved animals ...always! She loved to babysit for the neighbors, and was just a great person....even as a child.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. dePalo, Biff, Glen, Kathy, Joel, and Debbie's entire family. I know wonderful memories will once again bring smiles to their faces.

And Debbie....meet me at the fence!

*********************************

Kathy de Palo

May 10, 2007

I don't know how I will ever get over the loss of my sister. We had a great rapport and had fun together no matter what we did or where we went. My fondest memory will be our trip to Discovery Cove in Florida in 2005 where Karie, Debbie and I swam with the dolphins and just had great girl fun together. Debbie was so well loved that even her Conure Quigley used to call her name to get her attention. I miss her, I miss her, I miss her!!

aka "Fe Fe Amsterdam L'Amore"

Karie Ann de Palo

May 10, 2007

I don't think that I have quite grasped the concept that I will never see or speak to my Aunt again. I have nothing but fond memories of Aunt Deb from when I visited her in Glens Falls and Rye each summer during break. She always made everything fun & upbeat. She always made so many friends no matter where she went. Her love of life and animals is inspirational. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
- Karie Ann aka "Niece Annie"

Adam Rodriguez

May 5, 2007

I had the honor of being Debbie's nephew for over 20 years. Though our interactions were quite few and far between, she will forever remain in my mind a wonderful, engaging, naturally caring person full of life and love of life. My prayers and calls for God's comforting hand go out to Joel in this difficult time.

Joe Haynes

May 3, 2007

We are very sorry to hear of Debbie`s passing. She was a good friend to us here at the service station.
Joe Haynes, Joe Roberts, and Buster Galahger.

Tony Wolfenbarger

May 2, 2007

My heart aches for Joel and the family.I pray that God will hold you all close and comfort you through all of this,God Bless

Angie Miller

May 2, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Angie Miller

May 2, 2007

Debbie and I were the best of friends. She was the best lady in the world. She had the biggest heart of anyone i have ever met in my life. I will miss her so much. She was a very special person to me. Joel, if you need anything at all you know i'm here for you.
Love you guys

Karen Broome

May 2, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Debbie's family. I enjoyed the time I had with her, working beside her at Sawing System's seeing her smiling face and being able to share each other's thoughts and experiences. She was a wonderful, loving, caring person. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Judy Harris

May 2, 2007

After having worked with Debbie at Sawing Systems Inc., I shall miss her every day. My thoughts and prayers are with Joel, Debbie's husband, in his time of loss. My love to you, Joel, I feel your pain and loss.

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