In Memory

Debra Messenger (Stevens)

Debra Messenger (Stevens)

Debra Messenger (Stevens)


MESSENGER - STEVENS Debra M. C.P.A. Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister and Friend Age 47 of Elmira, NY died October 17, 2001 at St. Joseph Hospital surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness. She was the loving daughter of Glenn and Elizabeth Messenger of Elmira. Debra was born in Elmira, NY on June 2, 1954. Besides her parents Debra is survived by her loving husband Donald, Son and Daughter-in-law Joseph M. and Kelly Morton of Pine City, NY, Son and Fiance Daniel J. Morton and Nicole Ostrander of Elmira Heights, NY, Step-Children Debbie Stevens of Arizona, and Charles "Chip Sr." and Bonnie Stevens of Wellsburg, NY, Brother and Sister-in-Law David L. and Mary Messenger of Winfield, PA, Sister and Brother-in-Law Janis M. and Mark Kellogg of Essex Junction, VT, Grandsons Keith, Kyle, and Alexander Morton of Pine City, NY, Jessica and Charles "Chip Jr." Stevens of Wellsburg, NY Special Aunt and Uncle Alice and Harold Bruce of Millsboro, DE, Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends. Debra was a single MOM with many adoptive children including Cindy and Mark Manning of Elmira, NY, Willie and Jolene Sherman of Elmira, NY Christopher Merrone of Brooklyn, NY, Stacy Sherman of Elmira, NY Michelle and Brett Hayes of Elmira Heights, NY Darlene and Dennis Woo of Horseheads, NY and longtime best friend Debbie "downstairs" Sherman of Elmira, NY. Her longtime friend Maggie Merrone predeceased her. She was a member of Southside High School Class of 1972. Debra graduated summa-cum-laude and was valedictorian of Elmira College Class of 1985, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. She received her Certified Public Accountant Certification in 1989. Her career began at Courser, Inc., then at Carnevale & Company, and most recently as Comptroller of Kimble, Inc. Debra was a member of the Society of Certified Public Accountants of NYS and the American Institute of CPA's. She was a member of the Harmony Loyal Chapter #265, The Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Past Worthy Matron and was their current Treasurer. She was a member of First Baptist Church, serving on the Board of Deacons and on their financial committee. Debra's hobbies include softball, country music, being a female handyman and spending time at Keuka Lake with family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and will be missed by all. Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira on Thursday, October 18, 2001 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Funeral and committal will be at First Baptist Church, 121 W. Church Street, Elmira, NY on Friday, October 19, 2001, at 11:00 AM. Reverend Dennis Christiansen will officiate. Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 121 W. Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901