Katie Rachelle "Bummy" DeBose

Abingdon, Va.

Katie Rachelle “Bummy” DeBose went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 21st, 2018 in Grace Health Care at the age of 79.

Katie was born on June 30, 1938, in Abingdon, Va. to Bruce and Kathleen DeBose. She attended Kings Mountain School (Abingdon) and Douglass High School in Bristol, VA.  Katie furthered her education at Knoxville College. Her love for children led her to a teaching position at Meadowview Elementary School.  Katie also enjoyed a successful career with Appalachia Power Company for over 20 years.

Katie was an accomplished songstress, performing in the Rotary Frolics at the Barter Theatre, to name a few.  In her younger years, Katie also enjoyed traveling and would cheerfully share her adventures with family and friends.  Although Katie was not blessed with children of her own, she gladly stepped in to help raise nieces and nephews and a special “daughter” Priscilla.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bruce and Kathleen DeBose; one sister, Margaret Richardson “Richie” Dicks Swan; one brother, David “Blasco” DeBose; one nephew, Walter “Tweety” Dicks.

Katie is survived by her niece Leslie Charlton and special great-niece, Haley Charlton (Abingdon, Va.); three nephews:  Robert Dicks (Preska), Abingdon, Va.; Richard Dicks (Patsy), Virginia Beach, Va.; and David DeBose, Jr. (Alicia), Hampton, Va.; special cousin Sylvia “Minnie” Stuart (Abingdon, Va.); one sister-in-law, Harriet Ann DeBose. Left to cherish many loving memories: a host of great nieces and nephews.

At a very early age, Katie dedicated her life to Christ and was a faithful member of Charles Wesley United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. In her later years, Katie attended The Church in Abingdon until her health began to fail.

Services will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The family will be receiving guests from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM with services following directly after. Burial will be in High Point Cemetery and pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family would like to thank Mary Brummitt and Robbie, former employees of Grace Health Care. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The family of Katie Rachelle Debose is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.