Deborah Jean Anderson

Debbie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Jean (nee Clare) and Robert Platter on November 10, 1952. She is the beloved wife of Kevin Anderson (married July 16, 1988); devoted mother of Matthew Seth (Hannah) Anderson, Robert Ethan (Anna) Anderson and Kirsten Anderson; cherished grandmother of Marcus and Jocelyn Joy Anderson; loving sister of Pamela (Kevin) Malanchuk; and dear cousin of Rob (Gloria) Bruch. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Robert, and her great niece, Jessica Elam. Debbie is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

Debbie grew up in Cincinnati with her mother and sister Pam. Her father passed suddenly of a heart attack when Debbie was an infant. Debbie was involved in many activities as a student at Deer Park High School including school newspaper and cheerleading. She attended Miami University, earning both a Bachelors of Science in Art Education (1974) and a Masters in Education (1976).

During her college sophomore year, Debbie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Debbie taught art classes in public schools for nine years. She then began a business baking giant chocolate chip cookies with a custom greeting and would ship them all over the world.

Debbie then transitioned to nursing school and became a registered nurse in 1987. As she worked during the following year at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital she was courted by Kevin, a longtime friend and now the love of her life. They were wed in 1988. In the following years God blessed them with three children: Seth, Ethan, and Kirsten.

During her nursing career Debbie trained to be both a birth instructor as well as a perinatal loss counselor. She created materials and provided counseling that comforted a number of couples facing the loss of a child at birth.

Eventually Debbie left nursing to homeschool her children full-time. This included involving the family in the Oxford Homeschool Cooperative with Debbie providing morning devotions, and serving in the role of art teacher, drama set coordinator, and chairperson.

Debbie was richly blessed in 2010 by the union of Hannah York to Seth and again by the joyful arrivals of their children, Marcus and JoJo. She loved spending Nana time with her grandchildren. In recent months Debbie rejoiced at the engagement of Ethan and Anna (Honerlaw) and was privileged to enjoy being part of their wedding planning.

As the Anderson children entered adult life, she became a certified life coach to aid in mentoring other women. 

Debbie was always active in her family’s local church serving in many roles including committees, greeting, prayer team, and most recently was part of the pastoral teaching team at Oxford Vineyard church. 

She also felt led to extend her faith into the Oxford community. She sent a weekly prayer letter to praying folks to coordinate regular intercession for the city. Debbie sent another weekly letter out to the community leaders to offer positive support and encouragement.

Five years ago Debbie accepted the challenge to initiate the annual Oxford Day of Prayer Breakfast in May. The purpose was to bring Oxford community leaders and church pastors together to share food, encouragement, and prayer support.

Over the years Debbie provided many custom wedding cakes for friends and family.

Debbie enjoyed so many fun things like colorful clothes, bright lipstick, sudoku puzzles, Birkenstocks, “ Snoopy” from “Peanuts”, and the “I Love Lucy Show”. She especially liked getting her hair done by her daughter Kirsten. But most importantly Debbie loved being with people – family, friends, and strangers.

She will be remembered by many as a dear friend with a positive outlook, an encouraging word, and ready smile.

Debbie’s Mission For Life Statement: “To love God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. Luke 10:27 & through love, to encourage others to believe in the goodness of God."

The prayers of Debbie Anderson are ended as she now rejoices in the glorious presence of her Lord Jesus Christ!

A visitation for Debbie will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Kumler Chapel in Oxford, Ohio from 4 pm until 8 pm. Those attending the visitation will not be ticketed, regardless of signage. A Celebration of Life will be held for Debbie on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Cobblestone Church in Oxford, 3-5 pm, followed by a time of food and fellowship. Debbie was a joyful artist who loved vibrant colors, so you're encouraged to wear bright and bold colors for her Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to the Oxford Vineyard Church (4398 Oxford Reily Rd. Oxford, OH 45056) with either “Debbie Anderson” or “Day of Prayer” in the memo line.

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