A celebration of the life of Deborah LaJean (Debbie) Neel York, 65, of Marshall will be held Sunday, September 22. Visitation will start at 1:30 followed by the service at 2:00 in the Little Chapel by the Lake at Colonial Gardens Cemetery on Elysian Fields Road in Marshall, Texas. Bro. Matt Paul, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, will officiate the service, which is under the direction of Downs Funeral Home.

Debbie was born April 15, 1954 in Marshall, Texas to James and June (Evers) Neel. She left this earth for her eternal home in Heaven on Thursday, September 19, 2019. She was greeted by her Savior along with her loving husband, William R. York; her beloved son and joy of her life, Chad Ryan Atkins; her parents James and June  and many other friends and loved ones.

Debbie loved her family with a passion and was the "life of the party" at family gatherings and special events. She enjoyed taking pictures and videos, capturing special moments for all to enjoy. Taking pictures of nature, especially morning sunrises and evening sunsets, and posting them on Facebook gave her and everyone who saw them great pleasure. She especially enjoyed seeing pictures of her beautiful granddaughters, Brooke and Kyla, on Facebook and Instagram. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Wendy Strang; granddaughters, Brooke Annabelle and Kyla Victoria Atkins; sister, Dianne Welch and husband Bill; brothers Jerry Neel and wife, Renee; Danny Neel and wife, Lee; Pat Neel and wife, Shelley; and Mark Neel and wife Dana. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who loved and adored their Aunt Debbie, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who cherish her memory.