Deborah "Debbie" Ann Fernald

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Fernald, age 58, of Mary Esther, Florida passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Debbie was born on May 30, 1960 in Norwalk, Connecticut to Ruth and William Wilson. Debbie grew up in Connecticut and lived in Texas and Germany prior to settling in Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Debbie always cared deeply about making a difference in the lives of children, had earned her Associates Degree and was working toward her Bachelors in Exceptional Student Education. Debbie was kind and compassionate, able to easily connect with people through her occupation as a Barista at the Target Starbucks in Mary Esther. Debbie loved to laugh, to create art, and mostly to be of service to others. She often babysat and pet sat for her friends and family, and spent time volunteering for various causes with her colleagues and her church. Debbie was strongly committed to her faith and love for Jesus. She was a member of Momentum Church in Navarre. Debbie fiercely loved her family and friends. She is fondly remembered for her laugh, her smile, her silly sense of humor, her kindness, her generosity, her compassion and her favorite phrase: “Be with angels.” She is deeply missed.

Debbie is survived by her children, Megan Fernald Hedaria (Greg Hedaria), Tamara Anthony (Russell Anthony), and Sierra Fernald; her grandchildren, Vincent “Eli” Hedaria and Michael Anthony; her siblings, William “Billy” Wilson (Brenda Singleton), Joyce Weber (Harold Weber), Linda Coats (Gordon Coats), David Ward (Teresa Haviland), and Kevin Wilson (Jessica Wilson); and her nieces and nephews, Laura Wilson, Mark Wilson, Wendy Weber, Danny Weber, Robbie Freemer (Joan Freemer), Eddie Coats (Melanie Coats), Ryan Coats (Deborah Coats), Michael Coats (Abby Lund), Kyle Wilson and Ryann Wilson. Debbie was preceded in death by her loving parents, William Wilson and Ruth Wilson, and two siblings, Walter Wilson and Robin Wilson.

Debbie’s family is planning a Memorial Service to take place on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Holley by the Sea Recreations Center Beach House, 6845 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, Florida 32566.  In order to ensure access for all guests, please RSVP to Tamara Anthony at 850-217-0107. Those who desire may make memorial donations to The Arc Alliance at https://thearcalliance.org/tribute-gifts/.

Debbie Fernald was fueled by a selfless spirit of giving and love. On Debbie’s nightstand was found a hand-written quote from an unknown source: “Do something that will outlast you.” With her legacy of kindness and compassion, and with the caring impact she had on the many lives and hearts she touched, Debbie has done just that.

Please visit www.daviswatkins.com to sign the guestbook, express condolences and share memories.