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Debra Jane Lea

1951 - 2012

Debra Jane Lea

1951 - 2012

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1951

DIED

2012

Debra Lea Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 27, 2012.

On Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, Debra J. Lea passed away at OU Medical hospital from complications of Leukemia. She was 60 years old. Debra was born Nov 18, 1951 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank M. Gustafson (deceased) and Jean Gustafson. After graduating from high school she enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she served one and half years. While in the Navy she met her husband Homer (Pete) Lea also of the U.S. Navy. After they lived at several duty stations in the USA including 3 years in Japan, her husband retired from the Navy and they settled in Oklahoma where she graduated from OU with a degree in Business Administration. Debra was working for the Oklahoma State Department of Commerce as a researcher for the last 22 years and was soon to retire. Survivors include her husband, Pete of the home; mother, Jean of Edmond; mother-in-law, Nadine Lea of Noble; brother-in-law, Jerry Lea and his wife Debbie of Norman; numerous cousins in Michigan; one niece and two nephews of Norman; and numerous friends around the world. Of Debra's many interests she loved to sew and was an avid quilter and belonged to the Edmond quilting guild, loved to work in the yard, and also loved to play Bunko. Memorial services will be 2:00 pm, Feb 4, 2012 at Baggerley Funeral Home in Edmond. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the American Cancer Society in Debra's name.

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Recent Activity

February 5, 2012

Bonnie Bowman posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2012

Callie Kerr posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2012

Lesli Walsh posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Bonnie Bowman

February 5, 2012

Debra was an encouraging, joyful, happy friend. She went out of her way to give you a personal word of encouragement when you'd be least expecting it. I will always remember her beautiful smiling face. I can think of no time she wasn't wearing her smile.

Callie Kerr

February 4, 2012

I will always think fondly of our bunco games. It always amused me how serious you took the game and I believe, I amused you, if not annoyed you with fondness, by my lack of competitive nature and talkative hilarity.(wink wink)

You made me a beautiful quilt for my surprise,unborn daughter. Sending with it a note stating this was not made to be put away. It was made to be used to the fullest extent a baby blanket should be used for.You did not want it stored in a hope chest.
I grew up around quilters. I know the love in every fabric choice and each and every stitch.
I have honored her wishes. This blanket has been well served, well used, well washed and well loved. And once the childish things have been put away, this heirloom will be there to tenderly wrap them... in my hope chest.
Thank You Debra.
I am so sorry Pete.
Callie Kerr

Lesli Walsh

February 3, 2012

Debra was an absolutely beautiful lady, through and through. I'll remember her always as a friend and co-worker.... She taught me with such patience and love. My thoughts and prayers to her mom and Pete.

Erin O'Hara-Patrick

February 3, 2012

Aunt Jean,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If there is anything you need, PLEASE don't hesitate to ask.

All my love,

Erin

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Vikki Dearing

January 30, 2012

I will miss Debra! She and I have worked together at Commerce for a number of years. We worked out lots of processes together. It was fun to figure out together how we could handle a challenge.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings
Vikki Dearing

Brenda Vincent-Johnson

January 30, 2012

I always enjoyed talking with Debra and was impressed with her knowledge and her unassuming attitude. She very kindly asked me to do a title opinion for her and I was thrilled by her confidence in me. I think it all worked out well. I was so proud at how much she was appreciated at the Department of Commerce! I think many of you know what I mean--the "powers that be" had to humbly ask her to return. I am still so happy about that. That was the up side of some difficult times. She was great and gracious. I am sad she has moved on.

James Johnson

January 30, 2012

Debra was always a joy to work with at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. She was a go to person in Research and had a way to come up with useful and timely information. She was also serious about her quilting and was eager to show her work. She will truly be missed. May her spirit live on!

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Funeral Services Provided By

Baggerley Funeral Home

930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034