Debera Kay Mitchem White departed this life on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital at the age of 67 years.
Debera was born in Gary, IN on August 15, 1955, to the late Charles and Mary Erxleben Wefler. She considered herself lucky to have had two fathers; being adopted by Alvin F. Speece when he later married Deb’s mother.
Debera had lived in Jackson, TN for the past 33 years; living in NW Indiana and Joliet, IL prior to moving to Tennessee. She devoted her life to the well being of others be it in her role of over 23 years as an employee of Jackson Madison County General Hospital, co-owner, Licensed Massage Therapist, and energy worker at ‘A Touch of Serenity Therapeutic Massage’, a doTERRA essential oil wellness advocate, or volunteer worker for numerous charities. She literally “touched” many lives not only in the Jackson, TN area, but across the United States and Haiti. As Deb wrote during a workshop in 2003, “The Christ Spirit within me expresses in knowing God’s will and plan for me, and the ability in carrying it through.” As a long-time friend remembers, “She was always full of encouraging words and was so positive about people and life in general. She was a giver, a giver of time, a giver of love, a giver of compassion, a giver of her services, and a giver of physical things. She always gave hugs freely, two to keep you balanced; one on each side.”
She is survived by her loving husband of eighteen years, David White; her three daughters Stephanie Mitchem, Koren Mitchem, Erin Mitchem and spouse James Chambers Jr.; her five grandsons Alec, Aiden, Matthew, Dominic, and Cameron; step grandchildren Juniper and Josiah; and great-grandchildren Reagan, Patience, Zander, and Hunter. She is also survived by her brother Thomas Wefler and wife Stasia, and her sister June Wefler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Speece, Alvin Speece, and Charles Wefler; her brothers Michael Wefler and Frank Wefler, and her previous spouse Terrance ‘Terry’ Mitchem.
A Sunset Celebration of Life service will be held starting at 6:00PM on her birthday, August 15th, at Unity Church of Practical Christianity, 9228 Walnut Grove Rd, Cordova, Tennessee.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305, 731.668.1111, www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com
