Debra Ann Edwards Tomlinson

Debra Ann Tomlinson, 65, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, formerly of Evarts, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born on January 23, 1959 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Roy and Isabell Gibbs Edwards. 

In addition to her parents, Debbie is preceded in death by her beloved Chad, and her brothers, David and Roger Edwards. 

Debra was very kind, caring and compassionate. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was loved by all who knew her. She had a special love and desire to care for children with special needs, and had worked as a teaching assistant at a preschool in Oak Ridge. For several years she was employed by a security service as a security guard at Boeing. 

Debra loved the outdoors and going camping. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her dogs. 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, her son Robert and wife Crickett Tomlinson of Oak Ridge, her daughter, Amanda Tomlinson and fiancé Jason of Lafollette; and her grandchildren, Isabelle Tomlinson and Quinton Tomlinson of Oak Ridge. 

Debra is also survived by three sisters, Lisa Dugger and husband Earl; Patricia Foley and husband Calvin; and, Janice Lawson and husband Dan, all of Harlan, Kentucky; sisters-in-law, Lynn Edwards of Harlan, and Sharon Edwards of Evarts; her very special friend, Jody Roach of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and, many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Also remaining are her special animal companions, her dogs Lacey, Lilly and Luna and her cats, Chocolate and Faith. 

Debbie’s absence leaves a void that will never be filled, but we look forward now to that sweet reunion. We know we will see her again; we know that death is not forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Resthaven Cemetery Chapel at Keith, Kentucky on Saturday, July 13th, at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Jonathan Grills officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Harlan County Humane Society, 420 Tway Hollow, Harlan, Kentucky 40831, the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or other local charities.

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family locally.