Deborah Ates

Deborah (Debbie) W. Ates of Fort Walton Beach Florida passed away at Fort Walton Beach medical center on Friday, November 12th, 2021. Debbie was born on February 2nd, 1951 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Horace (Tommy) and Helen Thomas who have predeceased her. Debbie graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1968. She went on to marry Willy Milton Ates in July of 1969 and was blessed with one son Christopher T. Ates. During her 48 years in the medical field, she had the opportunity to touch many lives and was active in many local charities. She was so full of love and putting her time back into the community that she grew up in. She is survived by her son Christopher, (Kameron) her granddaughters Taylor, Shaylee, and Elli Ates. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter Maycee and her great-grandson Jax. Her family and many friends loved her and she will dearly be missed.

You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. 

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. 

Your heart can be empty because you can not see her or you can be full of the love that you shared. 

Visitation will be held at Emerald Coast Funeral Home Friday, November 19th from 4-6 pm. Graveside service will be held at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, November 20th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to our local S.O.C.K.S. and PAWS charities. 

So you have pain now but I will see you again and our hearts will rejoice. 

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