Debra Ann Dunn

Debby was born in Madison, Wisconsin during the bitter winters of February 1949, right after January being reported as one of the worst recorded blizzards of the Northern Plains. At the age of 6 months old she was adopted into a loving and caring family of Lester Junior Townsend and Betty Lou Peck (Townsend). Debby Dunn, age 75, loving and theatrical-spirited mother of three, and an adoring wife to husband Curtis Dunn, passed away early afternoon on the 19th of September after a very grueling and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (Interstitial Lung Disease). She was an exceptional mother who sacrificed more than most for her kids, who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, spiritual or life-lesson, regardless of whether you asked for it or not, and even to this day unconditional and unwavering love in abundance. Mostly every day, if not every day, if the church doors were open, she and or we were there. There was simply not any question. We always got to see her doing what she loved the most, which was using her gifts and talents - her God-given voice - for the Lord. She was literally known as a “bouncer” or called “Tigger” quite often, because she couldn’t stand still while singing, or while just doing… nothing. There was always a beat. She touched the hearts and lives of so many. From her band days in my dad’s family band: Sundance Band, from her choir days in the loft at Fountain of Life in Watauga, to Bethesda’s huge congregation, to the back of each room. She left her mark, and let her presence be known, but it was more so her spirit. To this day, there’s a lot of the youth we grew up with, that are adults today, and who have kids of their own, that considered her as a second mom, and she loved them like her own. At the end of the day, Mom was the one who held everything, including herself, together. She never showed us, unless she was absolutely broken to the core, that she ever let her guard down. It was in those moments that us kids realized how we can be independent, strong and hard-working individuals that carried over into adulthood. She loved to spend time at the beach. If she was on the beach, she was in her happy place. On the way to the beach, of course she would be singing - carpool karaoke - at the top of her lungs. Every year she wanted to go and see her favorite flowers in the world, Bluebonnets. Her favorite memories were when she could take her grandkids with her and take pictures amongst the beautiful fields of flowers. On every occasion, holidays, birthdays or just because someone asked for it, Mom or MawMaw was always baking or was requested to bake her “famous” Red Velvet Cake. It was a staple in our home!! It started when we were kids and has become a tradition and legacy that her grand & great grandchildren will love and cherish forever! We know we no longer get to be with you however we are more than happy knowing BOTH your F/fathers finally have you back in T/their arms – again. It is never goodbye; this is not where it ends. Hold on to your false teeth and girdle! It is and always will be “till we see you again.” Isaiah 40:31 / Isaiah 53:5 / Isaiah 54:17 / Deuteronomy 31:6 / Jeremiah 29:11 / Philippians 4:13 Debby was survived by her three children: Daughter - Michelle Bowden & husband - Karl; Son – Eric Bowden & wife - Kathy; and Son - Adam Bowden & husband - Brent. Niece/honorary daughter & children: Elisa, Allie & Ella Richardson. Stepson - Jimmy Kirby & wife - Julie. Stepson – Jeffery Dunn & wife – Deedee. 10 grandchildren: Erin, Lauren, Elizabeth & Zachary Ziller, Kaylynn, Sierra & Addison Bowden, and Ellee Ann & Cilla Dunn; 2 great grandchildren: Tremaine Carter & Oaklynn Mays. Siblings: Brother – Steve Townsend & wife – Cherrie; Sister – Linda Townsend (Hartwell, GA); Brother – Patrick (Patti) Seawell (Concord, CA); Brother – Steve Perkins & wife – Mary (Oregon, WI); Sister – Kathy Marx & husband – Tom (Lodi, WI); Sister – Deb Buckli & husband – Jeff (Chippewa Falls, WI) Proceeded in death by: Husband – Curtis Dunn; Father – Lester Townsend & wife – Betty; Sister – Dawn Townsend; Granddaughter – Tori Rey Bowden Special Requests: In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate, the children are asking to please consider donating in Debby Dunn’s name to the following Parkinson’s Disease & Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundations: Parkinson Foundation (Veterans & Parkinson’s) – www.parkinson.org The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – www.michaeljfox.org Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation – www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org

Debra Ann Dunn

February 3, 1949 - September 19, 2024