Obituary of Debra T. Anderson

Debra Thomas-Anderson, 60, of Bemus Point, NY, died in her home and met her Lord Jesus on Monday, July 3, 2017. Born Aug. 12, 1956 to the late George Neil and Mae Baxter, she was raised in Jamestown, NY. At the time of her death, she was married to James S. Anderson, whom she married July 19, 2015. She was preceded in death by her first husband Todd Thomas, whom she married May 26, 1990. They raised two wonderful children who were the joy of her life, Brockton Stephens Thomas and Brigetta Robin Thomas. Debbie and Todd and their young children lived in Pittsburgh and The Woodlands, TX before Todd's death in 2000. Debbie was beloved by her family and many friends for her outgoing and dynamic personality, her penchant for helping those in the community in need, and her overwhelming pride and love for her children. Always eager to bring her loved ones together, she hosted countless family get-togethers filled with wonderful home cooked meals. Debbie was a woman of unshakeable faith in God. During the course of many difficult trials, including the losses of her husband Todd in 2000 and her sister Jeanne in 2006 from long illnesses that claimed their much-too-young lives, Debbie remained a steadfast believer in the power of Jesus and the surety of salvation. She relied on her faith to carry her and her children through many challenging years. Always happy to share her faith, Debbie excelled at offering beautiful and meaningful prayers during any kind of gathering. Debbie was a beautiful example to her children of the Lord's admonition to love thy neighbor. When trouble or tragedy found those in her reach, they were always sure to find Debbie if they followed the sage advice to "look for the helpers," those who seek to serve people who are suffering. She was admired by her family for her many random acts of kindness and altruism, such as purchasing groceries for strangers and the elderly she might encounter in a store and helping community fundraising efforts meet their goals. In addition to her husband Todd and her sister Jeanne, Debbie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Neil and Mae. She is survived by her children Brockton Thomas and Brigetta Thomas; her husband James S. Anderson; her brother Bruce (Donna) Baxter of Aylett, Virginia; brother-in-law Troy (Lizbeth) Thomas of Sussex, Wisconsin; her nephews Brent (Valory) Isaacson, Todd (Brooke) Isaacson, Daniel Baxter, and Joseph (Elizabeth) Baxter; her brother-in-law Bruce (Carol) Isaacson; her step-children Alycia (James) Lacki and Jason (Alyssa) Anderson; and step-grandchildren Kailee and Caden whom she loved much; all of the Stan and Noreen Anderson family of Sinclairville and dear friend John Heeden. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Christ First United Methodist Church, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, NY. The family will receive friends at a reception at the church immediately following the service. All are encouraged to wear bright Easter colors to the service in celebration of Debbie's new life in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Lakeview Cemetery, 907 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701. The funds will be used for the care and maintenance of three veteran's areas, including Soldier's Circle, of the cemetery. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.