Born July 12, 1955 and passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Debbie was born the baby sister (by 11 minutes!) to her big sister Connie, and their two older brothers Bill and Glen. Debbie and Connie were best friends and inseparable their entire lives, Connie’s children were Debbie’s and Debbie’s son was Connie’s. Connie never left Debbie’s side during this recent battle, their love and dedication for each other was never in doubt. Connie was Debbie’s Big Sister and faithful guardian.
Debbie’s most important mission in life was spending time with and taking care of her family, hopefully this time would be spent at a beach somewhere, camping, or at her country retreat! If you see a picture of Debbie on the Beach, Connie and Erin aren’t far away.
Debbie met her husband Randy through mutual friends (Tim and Joanne) in December of 1984 while he was home from the Navy on Christmas Leave. They fell in Love, were engaged by January and married in the living room of her parents’ house on June 28, 1985. They lovingly stayed by each other’s side until the moment Debbie passed away trying to fight off her short but fierce battle with cancer.
In 1993 Debbie accomplished her most important dream, she became a mother to their son Brad. Nothing in her life ever topped that achievement or took precedent over “her boy”, she dedicated her life to raising Brad in a respectful, faithful, educated manner. She did a fantastic job!
Debbie was one of the most loving, generous people anyone would be happy to call Friend! She spent her career as a Registered Nurse starting in Cardiology then moved into the OB Nursery at St Josephs Hospital in Kirkwood Missouri. When St Josephs closed its doors, Debbie helped open the special care Nursery at the newly opened St Clare Hospital in Fenton where she worked until her retirement. Debbie loved her Hospital families and maintained friendships with many of those co-workers the rest of her life. After retirement, Debbie took a part time job in retail to get her “out of the house” for a few hours a week Her family at “RF” quickly became some of her most cherished friends. That’s how it was with Debbie, once you were in her circle, you stayed in!
Debbie is survived by her husband Randy, their son Brad, daughter-in-law Kristin, Twin Sister Connie Cox (John – deceased), Brother Bill Kieffer (Annabelle), Sisters-in-Law Kelly Epperson and Lynn Whitcraft (Scott), Nieces Erin Marie Cox-Wallace (Neal) and Katie Kieffer-Devoe (TJ), Lori, and Nephews Matt Kieffer (Marsela), Brian Cox (Mandi), Mike Whitcraft, Steve Whitcraft (Rachel), Great Nieces- Riley, Aleigha, Ella, Libby, Gabby, Luna and Great Nephew – Graeme. Godson – Jake Ahner. Cousin to many, especially sweet Judy and friend to too many to count! All of these people in her life were her most important possessions!
Debbie is pre-deceased by her parents Al and Ova Kieffer, Brother Glen Kieffer, Brother-in-Law John Cox.
Debbie’s Fur babies, both past and present: Fred, Daisy, AJ, Lucy and Addie would appreciate it if in lieu of flowers you might consider Stray Rescue of St Louis
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois, on Tuesday, April 25, 9:00 AM to The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (New Cathedral), 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, for 10:00 AM Mass. Interment St. Peter Cemetery, Kirkwood, MO. Memorials may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
Visitation Monday 2 – 9:00 PM
This is beautiful Randy. This is Deb.
I so much want to be in attendance, and want to give you and Brad my hearfelt condolences in person. Unfortunately I am out of town until Thursday. I miss you guys. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to call or message me. You both as well as Connie are in my prayers
Love you all,
Our deepest condolences to the Epperson and Cox families. Debbie was a wonderful person and will be missed. R. I. P. In our Lord’s hands .
Such a beautifully written eulogy for our friend Debbie!
Thank you for your love, dedication and kindness to all of those in your life.
Deepest condolences to the immediate family as I can only imagine how lost they will be without.
God’s blessings
Such a touching tribute! Debbie certainly loved her family, and for those of us that also love them she made us feel welcome. We are sending prayers and love to all. This will no doubt be a trying time and the future will certainly be less bright without her. We will be here for you.
Debbie was a great neighbor and friend. She was always cheerful and kind. A friend to all of our children, Mrs. E always had popsicles or something special for them. Our heartfelt condolences to Randy, Brad, Connie and family.
I always knew Brad would be successful due to the love and commitment from his parents. I have fond memories of Debbie being a room mother and advocate for kids. Such a wonderful family. Love to Brad and his father.
Randy/Brad,
Sheila and I wish we could be there but are out of the country til the 26th. Our prayers and best wishes are with you in this difficult time. I will reach out to you in the coming weeks.
Dear Bill and dear Family of Deborah,
Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathies at the loss of your dear sister.
I shall offer Holy Mass tomorrow, Sunday, April 23, for the blessed repose of her soul. She lives now in the presence of Jesus we pray and we ask that she pray to Him for us who will miss her but one day please join her again for all eternity.
May her soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, especially our dear relatives and friends, through the Mercy of God rest in peace.
Sincerely in Christ Jesus,
Father Joe Parisi
Classmate of Bill at Prep South
Randy,
Debbie will remain in my heart forever. We were very close. We worked together and enjoyed our leisure times. Debbie was a special girl and I’ll always remember our good times. I know this will be hard for Connie and Brad and your family. My love to all of you.
Love,
Joan
Debbie, Randy and Brad created a wonderful family built on love for each other, their larger family and many friends. I am sure she is with you all in spirit until you meet again. Sending lots of love and prayers from Georgia.
The Fox family sends their condolences to Randy and his family, particularly Lynn and Scott Whitcraft. Debbie’s imprint on her loved ones will last forever.
Debbie was a true light in this world, I never saw her without a smile on her face.. Debbie has left a hole in so many peoples heart, especially her family. We have a saying that says may her memory be eternal and hers’ definitely will.
She was a sweet woman. I would wait on her often at Texas Roadhouse. I could really never tell her and her sister apart for the longest time. My deepest sympathy to everyone. Cherish the good memories you have.
Connie, Please accept my sincere condolences. I was so sorry to hear Debbie passed. I can hardly believe that she is not here. I am so sorry that I can’t be at the funeral parlor.Love Lynn
Heartfelt sympathies go out to you. May the happy days ease the deep sorrow at this very difficult time.
Take comfort in knowing that Deb will be remembered by so many with love and admiration and that you have friends who are here for you.
Connie, our condolences to you and your family at this time of loss, our hearts and prayers to you and yours always..
Sincerely
Jr. and Tammy
Randy,
I’m so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
To all who loved Debbie , she will be in our thoughts and prayers as she moves on to a place with no pain and suffering. We will miss her as she so made us a part of the Epperson,-Cox family for these many years.
Our love to all of you, MaryAnn and Ken Wallace
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Powerful prayers to all…
She was a beautiful person inside and out. Love you all.
Randy I’m so very sorry for your loss .