Deborah "Debbie" Miller Hommel
Died: August 3, 2025
With great sorrow and broken hearts, the Hommel family shares the passing of our beloved Deborah "Debbie" Miller Hommel. Debbie passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 69. There was never a more devoted wife, mother, MeeMee, sister, teacher, and friend than Debbie. Everyone who knew Debbie loved her, and she returned that love one hundredfold. Debbie lit up every room with her radiant smile and effervescent personality.
Debbie's life reflected her unwavering love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived each day with purpose and a heart full of love. Whether you had known her for years or just a short time, Debbie made you feel special and that you were important to her. Her laughter warmed every room, her hugs lingered, and her prayers touched countless lives.
Debbie loved her family with every fiber of her being, and she took great pride in them. Whatever they were doing, Debbie was there to encourage and cheer them on. Debbie shared her life for 51 years with her best friend and husband, Ronnie Hommel. They shared a deep love, friendship, and faith in Jesus. Her pride and joy were her two sons, Dustin and Derek. Her greatest treasures were her grandchildren, Halle, Parker, Logan, and Elle. She never missed a chance to be their biggest cheerleader and committed to attending every special event.
During her twenty-seven years of teaching, Debbie poured her heart into her students. Debbie showed every student kindness, encouragement, and most of all taught them to believe in themselves. Her classroom was a haven for all students.
Many students gained not only knowledge but also self-confidence, knowing they could accomplish their goals. Above all, Debbie's life was anchored in her unwavering faith. Debbie placed her trust and faith in Jesus Christ.
Raised in church, she continued to serve in many capacities. One of her greatest gifts to the church her musical talent was a gift from God, Debbie used it to glorify Him. Debbie was a prayer warrior; she was often called to pray for others. Her walk with the Lord was evident in everything she did, from her words and actions to her boundless love. She extended Christ's grace to everyone she met. Debbie was a model of the love of Christ, giving unselfishly and loving others with a heart full of compassion.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, George Jr. and Bobbie Frances Miller; her father and mother-in-law, Guy Sr. and Magda Hommel; sisters, Sandra Taylor and Sharon Kear; and brother-in-law, Bill Blazer. She is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie Hommel; son and daughter-in-law, Dustin and Monica Hommel; son and his fiancée, Derek Hommel and Lanie Bryant; her four precious grandchildren, Halle, Parker, Logan, and Elle; brother and sister-in-law, George Donnie and Kathy Miller; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Guy Jr. and Gayla Hommel; sister-in-law, Dolly Blazer, special friends, Carolyn Proffitt, Vickie Moore and Paula Sane; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and former students.
Debbie's light will never dim as it lives on in the lives she touched, the prayers she prayed, and the love that she gave so freely.
Donations may be made to the Parrottsville Fire Department, Cocke County Retired Teachers Association, the
National Kidney Foundation, or a
charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sunday, August 10, 2025, with the funeral service following at 7:00 pm at West End Baptist Church, with Rev. Tom Mooty, Rev. Ronnie Presnell and Rev. Vickie Moore officiating.
Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, August 11, 2025, in Union Cemetery.
Family and friends may sign the guest register online at:
www.manesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home in charge.
Published by The Newport Plain Talk from Aug. 7 to Aug. 13, 2025.