Debby VanderWoude's Obituary
Beloved mother, sister, and best friend, Deborah Faith Boggs VanderWoude entered into God’s Kingdom on May 24th, 2022 after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Debby was born to Jacob Woodyard Boggs and Betty Rae White Boggs on October 2, 1952, in Charleston, West Virginia.
Debby attended high school at Hampden Dubose Academy boarding school in Zellwood, Florida, graduating in 1970. She also received her bachelor's degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She received her master's degree from the University of South Florida located in Tampa, Florida, and finally, her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She worked as a teacher for many years at Pinellas Technical College with at-risk high school students. She had also been an administrator for Dixie Hollins Adult Education Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. Most recently, she was the director of Tomlinson Adult Education Center in St. Petersburg, Florida. She retired in 2016.
While in high school at Hampden Dubose Academy, Debby met Dean VanderWoude and they were married in 1975. Debby and Dean went on to have 2 children, Ryan and Michal and were married for twenty-four years. While later divorced, they maintained a good relationship and raised their children in the word of the Lord.
Debby was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. She was a member of Parrish United Methodist Church where she briefly served as a Stephens Minister. She was a very warm and loving person who cared more about others than herself. She was also a lifelong animal lover.
Debby joins her son, Ryan Dean VanderWoude, and both of her parents in heaven. Debby is survived by many loving family members and friends, including her daughter, Michal Anne Vander Woude, her brother, Jonathan David Boggs, and her roommate/best friend Sharon Taylor. She also leaves behind three nephews and many other friends.
On May 27, 2022, in accordance with Debby’s wishes, the family held a small, private funeral service at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Fl. She was buried there next to her son, Ryan.
John 16:22 - So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
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