Debra K. Hughes

If you crossed paths with Deb, you quickly learned a few things: her husband, Don, was her best friend; how proud she was of her daughter, Kelly; her grandsons, Silas and Brayden, filled her life with joy; her strong faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and that you gained a friend who was ready to support you in your time of need, and would always make time to say “I love you.”

Deb enjoyed gardening, vacationing in Eleuthera, Bahamas, spending time with her family and friends, walking, reading her Bible, cooking, and baking, singing (in the car and shower), and feeding and watching the many types of birds that visited her gardens. She took great pride in decorating her home for every holiday and receiving many compliments on her decorations. Outdoor seasonal flags filled her yards with colors and messages for all to enjoy.  She loved finding used items at flea markets and yard sales and repurposing them into something unique and beautiful. Deb loved hanging laundry outdoors, no matter how cold, and resting her head at night on sun-dried sheets. She was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church and was dedicated to her missionary work supporting the Christ Open Marketplace and sending cards to members who were no longer able to attend church.

Nearly five years ago, Deb began fighting a courageous battle against ovarian cancer. Her journey led to messaging approximately 45 people an inspirational text or scripture every morning and sometimes evening. “Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Debra, the daughter of the late Gordon E. Deiter and Betty M. Solence Deiter, was born in Lykens, PA, on September 14, 1957. She was a graduate of Upper Dauphin Area High School and prior to retirement, built lasting friendships as a seamstress at J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills and a receiving clerk at MSC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Dorothy Pinkerton, Sherry Nye, Gordon Deiter, Jr., and Donna Koons; nephew Joe Wingert and niece Kristi Nye Wenzel.

Surviving is her husband and best friend, Donald Hughes Jr.; daughter Kelly Harrison and her husband, Darius; step-son Brian Hughes and wife Allison; grandsons, Silas and Brayden; sisters-in-law Mary Taylor, Carol Deiter, and Valerie Hughes; brother-in-law Gregory Koons; nieces and nephews Kim Nye, James Nye, Jr., Stephanie (Deiter) Poole, Valerie (Koons) Acker, Jackie (Wingert) O’Neil, Jay Wingert, Melonie Wingert; many faithful friends; and her doggie companion, Lily.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Deb’s family to share stories of love and memories on Wednesday, June 5, from 4-5 pm at Christ United Methodist Church, Tower City. Pastor Annette Shutt will officiate a celebration of life service that will start at 5 pm where we can reflect and sing her favorite hymns. A time of fellowship and a light meal will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Deb's memory can be made to one of her favorite organizations, the Christ Open Marketplace, 400 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980. You could also plant one flower in your personal garden in memory of her.

To celebrate Deb’s life, her family invites you to share pictures or memories at this link.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. is honored to serve Deb's family. To send condolences, visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra K. Hughes, please visit our floral store.