Deborah Lenna Shanks

I just learned of Deb´s passing after a few months of being unable to connect with her. I am saddened to know she is gone and truly miss her. We shared many common interests and enjoyed our time together. I extend my condolences to her family and all those who cared for her. May her memory forever live in your hearts.

Condolences to Vernon, Cheryl and Evan Shanks. I remember Deborah Shanks from Spectra Physics then Thermo Fisher. I admired her then and forever
We texted this year and planned to get together. I will miss Deborah our friendship.
May God Bless the Shanks family.
Melody Cleveland

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Deborah, at a New Jersey Alumni Chapter of NC A&T sendoff. During the event, I shared my dedication as an engineering student at A&T with the room, and it was then that Ms. Deborah approached me with a wonderful opportunity. She mentioned volunteering at a company called Students to Science and offered to bring me to the company to learn about their internship program. Visiting Students to Science left a great impression on me, ultimately leading to an interview and an offer for an internship position this summer. As my internship ends, it deeply saddens me to learn about Ms. Shanks' passing. I will always be grateful for her kindness in exposing me to new opportunities and constant encouragement. Our conversations often ended with her saying, "Remember you are even better than you think you are!", those words have left a lasting impression on me. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Shanks family. Ms. Deborah will be truly missed.

Deb was a bright light in this physical world and will continue to shine brightly in her journey beyond. We met may years ago at Celanese and kept in touch across the miles and I always felt close to her. She lives in my heart and I am grateful for that.

I offer my condolences to the family. Deborah and I met in junior high. We reconnected in college and beyond. I will miss her.

Condolences NC A&T Class 1973.Aggie Pride.

Deb was a devoted friend to us and a wonderful Godmother to Erica. She was one of the most compassionate and generous people we know. We will miss Deb's warm and gracious hospitality during our stays at her "B&B" over more than 20 years after we moved to Virginia from the New York metro area.

During these years we looked forward to visiting with the best hostess in the world. It was a blessing to get to know more of her friends and to have Deb join our circle of friends as her home became the heart of our annual barbecue. These were always fun occasions where Deb and Barb spent hours preparing food, laughing, and catching up on topics such as Broadway shows and New York museum exhibits. Erica was with us for most of these years, and Deb was so proud of her Goddaughter. We will miss the fun, laughter, and good food we shared with Deb and our friends at our annual barbecue. Deb had a wonderful spontaneous laugh that no one could imitate.

Deb was an avid reader, and Les loved discussing books with her, as some of their interests intertwined. Deb was such a blessing to us, and we are so grateful to have had her be a part of our lives for many years.

Barbara, Leslie, and Erica Shockley

Our hearts go out to the Shanks family for the loss of your loved one. Deb was a wonderful and funny friend. We enjoyed lunches at her home and having verbal battles while watching the Super Bowl games. She will be sorely missed. Jacque and Carmen Diggs-Pinto

Deborah will live forever in our hearts as we are constantly reminded of her kindness, generosity, laughter and support.
Rest in power, my dear friend. I am blessed to have you in my life for all these years. We will still have our weekly calls together, just a little longer distance.

Miss Debbie lived across the street from my family and I. She always made me laugh when she used to tell me to come get my crazy wife! My wife would cut up and laugh with her every time she saw her. She is truly missed...what an amazing spirit! God Bless her!