Deborah Ann (Necessary) Neese

Deborah Ann (Necessary) Neese went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 28, after a long and faith-filled battle with illness.

She was born on October 25, 1951 to John “Ike” Necessary and Shirley Elam Necessary in Bristol, TN. Debbie grew up in Bristol, graduated from Virginia High School, and worked as a secretary for Barb and Shumaker Construction Company as a young adult. She moved to Abingdon shortly after marrying her husband, Bill, and raised their two children there. Debbie spent many years as a volunteer at Meadowview Elementary school, enjoying the Book Fair most of all. She always made sure every child who came through the Book Fair left with something. She also started a program called “Coats for Kids” and collected coats for the children of Meadowview Elementary. She carried over that program to her church, Greenfield Baptist, and it has continued for many years. Debbie worked as a secretary for the Washington County Public Schools Special Education department for almost 30 years. She enjoyed seeing the children come in for testing and supporting the parents as they navigated the special education process. Debbie also volunteered at her children’s schools, enjoying her time feeding “the boys” before Patrick Henry High football games and chaperoning band camps. She also enjoyed serving as the Chairman of the Cemetery Committee at her church. Her most favorite job, however, was being “Gaga” to her three grandchildren. Vacations at the beach, swimming at the neighbor’s pool, shopping, and any other activity involving her “babies” were her favorite hobbies.

Debbie was diagnosed with colon cancer and a serious liver disease in 1988, at the age of 36. She was given three to six months to live at that time. Thankfully, God had other plans for her life and blessed her and her family with almost 40 more years together. During her life, she experienced many hospitalizations, tests, and life-threatening events. She told everyone she could, however, that God never left her side. Even in her most painful moments, she softly whispered to God, thanking Him for never leaving her and affirming her trust in Him. In her final weeks, she spoke often about being ready to go Home, to see her parents and other loved ones, and to see Jesus. She comforted us all by saying it was time to live out her faith and show everyone that she believes what she always told others she believed. If she were here now, she would tell us of the peace that surrounds her, that Heaven is real, and that giving your heart to Jesus is the best decision you will ever make.

Debbie is survived by her husband and faithful caregiver of 47 years, Bill; her daughter, Kelly Barker (son-in-law Benji) of Abingdon; her son, Matt Neese of Abingdon; her best friend and sister, Wendy Pullon (brother-in-law Danny) of Bristol; her grandchildren (her most favorite people in the world) Abby, Will, and Ben Barker; her brother-in-law, Jim (Catherine) Neese; sister-in-law, Brenda Neese (wife of the late Sam Neese); nieces, Christi Downs and Heather Neese; nephews, Daniel Pullon (wife Vanessa and son Luke), Jason Neese (Alana/DJ and Wilder), Jamie Neese (Elizabeth), Andrew Neese (Beth/Noah and Sophie).  She was also very well loved by her special friends: the ladies of Greenfield Baptist Church, the moms and family members of “her Patrick Henry boys,” Pam Price, Phyllis Thomas, Shawnee Jessee, Carol Arrington, Carol Puckett, and Deb Palmer.

Her family would like to thank Dr. William Mark Handy and staff; Dr. Alicia Wall, Dr. Paul Suhocki, Dr. Carl Berg, and Dr. Nicholas Befera of Duke University; Dr. T.C. Greene (Bristol) and Dr. James Lapis (Bristol) for the excellent care they provided through the years.  They would also like to thank the staff of Caris Hospice for the care they provided during Debbie’s final weeks at home with her family. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Greenfield Baptist Church from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with a service to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Dan Birchfield and Pastor John Stapleton officiating. Committal service will take place Tuesday, July 01, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 A.M.

Pallbearers are Will Barker, Ben Barker, Benji Barker, Danny Pullon, Daniel Pullon, Andrew Neese, Gary McCray, and David Foglesong.

Honorary Pallbearers are the men of Greenfield Baptist Church, Allen Moore, Mike Wagner, Hunter Dannhardt, Josh Sadler, Lance McGlocklin, Matthew Pennington, Matthew Henderson, Blake Mellinger, Brian Hutton, Brennan McCray, Andy Pless, and the late Andy Williams.

All donations in her memory may be sent to Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Neese.