Deborah Amelia Wright

1970 - 2020

Deborah Amelia Wright, 50, of Keokuk, died Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19, 2020, at her home.

She was born Jan. 5, 1970, in Keokuk. She is the daughter of Sandra Wright Hansen.

Deborah graduated from Fort Madison High School and began her lifelong career of education and learning. She attended Western Illinois University and graduated with a bachelor's in business and economics and accountancy. She then went on to graduate from Western Illinois University with a Master of Arts in economics, with an emphasis in applied econometrics, labor theory, public finance, and international trade theory. Lastly, Deborah graduated from Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, Ill., with a doctorate of philosophy, with her fields of study being public finance, econometrics, and labor.

Deborah had written several papers and even had a publication. She received several awards and honors, such as past president of Southeastern Community College Higher Education Association, Graduate Economic Association president, Outstanding Economics Teaching Assistant, and Outstanding Economics Graduate Paper. Deborah was a member of the American Economic Association and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 1997.

She had worked at several institutions and universities throughout the years, with the most recent being Southeastern Community College, where she was tenured, ITT Technical Institute, Northern Illinois University, and Kishwaukee College. She had several job titles from online instructor to adjunct faculty to instructor/teaching/ research assistant.

Deborah was a busy woman who could handle anything handed to her. Most recently she was credited with writing the grants for Lee County to obtain their K-9 officers. She was also member of the New Testament Church. Of all the job titles Deborah has had in her short 50 years, "Mimi" was the one she favored most. She loved to spend time with her grandkids.

Deborah is survived by her mother Sandra Hansen of Keokuk; daughter Kendra Hedger of Keokuk; three grandchildren, Cole Hedger, Kylie Kellum and Kamryn Kellum, all of Keokuk; a brother; a niece; an uncle, Fred Wright of Hannibal, Mo.; and two cousins, Sarah Davidson and Jacob Wright.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and one aunt.

Visitation services will be Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9-10 a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk.

Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. following the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Social distancing will be in place and masks are required.

Online condolences may be made at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.