Debra Boyette Ambrose

Debra B. Ambrose, 67, of Summerville, wife of Ronald W. Ambrose, passed away at home peacefully on Thursday, December 22, 2022 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Debbee was born on February 26, 1955 at Fort Bragg, NC, daughter of the late LTC George O. Boyette, Jr. and Mary Kertes Boyette. She graduated from Whiteville High School, NC in 1973 after spending many years traveling the world as a child of an officer in the Army. Survivors, in addition to her husband Ron of 20 years, are daughter Jennifer Hursey, son-in-law Daniel Hursey, grandchildren Kylie, Braeden, and Georgie Hursey, all of Summerville; siblings George (Sandy), of Ohio; Terri, of Ohio; Kiva (Sean), of Maryland; and Tonya, of Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She is predeceased by her parents and brother Robert. A greater mom and granny you’ll never meet. Debbee loved spending time with her grandchildren, insisting on them doing a craft together each year to present to Jenny and Daniel for Christmas. She never shied away from making memories with her grands, taking them on adventures around Washington, D.C. every summer. Her retirement plans were simple; move closer to her precious grandchildren. Toward the end, Debbee expressed how lucky she was to have her family only 4 miles away instead of the old 486 (yes, we counted). However, Debbee’s beloved dogs were always her first priority. If you knew Debbee at all, you knew how much she loved “her boys” as she shared stories about their latest antics. Debbee was a giver. She cared more for others than herself, sometimes to the chagrin of her husband. He’d constantly have to remind her to do something for herself every once in a while. Her kindness and care for others’ feelings are the things she is most remembered for from all realms of her life. Debbee was an avid lover of science fiction (specifically Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Wonder Woman), rock music, attending craft shows, and she enjoyed many hours cheering on her favorite UNC Tar Heels men’s basketball team (the years under Dean Smith were her favorites). Her love for our great country was unmatched, spending just shy of 40 years working for our federal government. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life helped her achieve success in her work. During her time as a civil servant, Debbee was recognized often by her peers and leadership for her work ethic and drive for excellence. Her most recent recognitions are the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau Distinguished Service Award, and the American flag flown over both the Pentagon and United States Capitol in her name at the request of Mark Warner, Virginia Senator. A memorial service will be held on January 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting www.jamesadyal.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at support.pancan.org/goto/Debbee_Ambrose.

Debra Boyette Ambrose

February 26, 1955 - December 22, 2022