At 11.40am 12th June 2017 my dear loving wife of fifteen years Deborah Diane Norris went to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. She left behind three adult children, Daniel Vantuyl, Dean Vantuyl and Melinda Atkins and a good number of grandchildren. We take comfort knowing that she would have run through those pearly gates straight into those loving arms of Jesus and knowing she has not stopped overflowing with exuberant joy and happiness since she got there. It is a comfort to know there are no more tears, pain or sickness. That her lungs can once again sing His praises and that she is unrestricted in her expression of worship directed at her loving Savior Jesus Christ. Deborah who lived for 64 years was a person who all her life thought and loved others before herself. She was a lifelong mother who loved deeply unwaveringly through thick and thin for her three children she was always giving them wise counsel from the word of God and was always ready to help them no matter what. Deborah was a very gifted gospel singer and people would beg her to sing and many lives were changed as a result of her ministry. She had the strong gift of welcome and would make sure no one was left out. Deborah knew no stranger in her life for it only took 5 seconds for her to make a friend who would have their day changed because of the encounter. She would always ensure you were hugged and she have out more hugs in her life than most. Deborah was born on 13th July 1952 to William and Rosa Lee Daniels. She gave her life to Jesus at the age of four. Deborah took on a mother's role as a child to her four sisters and one brother. (Vicki, Rose Marie, Cynthia and Robin and Billy) because her parents William and RosaLee Daniels were working long hours. Later in life Deborah moved from her dream home in Detroit Michigan to Knoxville TN to be with her parents as a caregiver. As I write this as her husband, Graham Norris, it is easy for me to say she simply was God's greatest gift of love to me next to my salvation. She taught me so much about Jesus love and now I hope I've learned the lesson well so that I in turn can love everyone as she did. Deborah Diane knew Jesus because the evidence of how she poured out His love into everyone she met and their lives were changed. She wanted all to know her Savior like she did and that is why she was so so beautiful in every way. Debbie my darling I miss you so badly this side of heaven but I take great joy knowing I will see you again healed and restored and free in your expression of love, worship and adoration of our one and only Savior Jesus Christ. I met Jesus in you and I'm so grateful for all the sweet memories. Love you forever.
We will be celebrating Deborah's life at Parkwest Church of God, 7635 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville TN 37909, on June 27th at 6.30pm where you will see her sing on video and we will share stories of her life and sing ourselves one of her favorite songs. Family will welcome guests after a family meal at 5pm at the church.

To God be all the Glory!