Deborah Essick. Age 73, of Highlandville passed away Friday, January 29, 2016. She was born in Springfield, IL November 8, 1942 to Bruce and Vivian (Burdette) Gray. She was united in marriage to Bill Essick October 3, 1958.
Deborah earned an Associate of Arts degree at Phillips College in Springfield, MO. She was the Post Master at the Ponce De Leon Post office for 16 years. Deborah and her husband loved to travel to the western states every year. She would travel with her daughter to Hawaii, Florida and anywhere there was a beach. She especially liked Orange Beach, AL. Deborah loved to sing and sang with a Christian group of ladies called The Ponce Girls. They sang at several churches and events.
Her family describes Deborah as a fun and positive person. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Every year around the 4th of July she and Bill would have a tent party for the grandchildren. You could describe it as organized chaos. Deborah and Bill made wonderful memories for their family that will always be cherished.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 57 years; her children Bill Essick, Jr, his wife Christina, of Ozark, Lesa Moran, her husband Joel, of Highlandville, and Mike Essick, and his wife Becky, of Ozark; 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings Connie Moore, of Rogersville, Bruce Gray, his wife Terri Lynn, of Nixa; and many nieces nephews and cousins.
Deborah is preceded in death by her parents; and a son Mark Essick.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 1, 2016 in Adams Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, prior to the funeral.
Online condolences may be made at www.adamsfuneralhome.net.