Debbie Nelson (Mathers), 69, Clinton Township, Michigan, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 2, 2024.
She was born January 6, 1955 in Salina, Kansas at the Smoky Hill Air Force Base to Bobby and Betty (Hixson) Nelson.
Debbie loved the Lord and was on numerous prayer chains.
Music was her soul, which she expressed when she and her first husband Bruce performed with Daddy and the Warbucks.
Debbie was a beautician with licenses in both Missouri and Michigan and was owner/operator of her own shop in Warren, Michigan.
After returning to St. Joseph, Debbie was owner/operator of Yellow Cab Co. and a limo service. She later relocated to Michigan with her limo service, then worked for pharmaceutical company before retiring.
In retirement, Debbie’s true spirit came alive as she traveled extensively across the country.
An outgoing person who knew no strangers, Debbie’s heart, generosity and caring were well known. She would be there for anyone in need and also was a foster parent to many kids in Michigan. This caring extended to the four-legged companions in her life, especially her beloved dog, Fatima, whom she adored.
Most of all, Debbie was a loyal, loving sister to Tanya, who considered Debbie her “2nd mother.”
She was preceded in death by her father; brothers, Ronnie Polkingharn and Todd Nelson, Sr.; nephew, Todd Nelson, Jr.; and grandmother, Betty “Nan” Whitaker.
Survivors include her mother, Betty Hillson (Dave); her sons, Marshall Mathers III, and Nathan K. Mathers (Ashley); grandchildren, Haley Jade Mathers and spouse, Alania Mathers and spouse, Whitney Mathers, Liam Mathers and Carter Mathers; siblings, Steven Robert Nelson (Angie), Tanya DeWeese (Leonard); numerous nieces and nephews, including Johnathan Winters (Amy), Nicole Nelson, Michelle Ray, Jeremy Schmitt, and Jacob Schmitt.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
