Deborah Lynne Hagemeier
December 16, 1954 ~ December 6, 2023
Deborah Lynne Hagemeier, of Elkhart, Texas, passed away peacefully with her loving husband of fifty years and five months by her side, on Wednesday, the 6th day of December 2023. Mrs. Hagemeier was 68 years of age. She was born in Houston, Texas, on the 16th day of December 1954 to parents Maurice E. Higginbotham and Edna M. Pierce Higginbotham.
Mrs. Hagemeier's academic journey led her to earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing, a field where she excelled and imparted care and comfort to countless individuals. Her professional path as a nurse was more than a career; it was a manifestation of her innate compassion and desire to contribute positively to the lives of those around her. In addition to her professional work, Mrs. Hagemeier was a dedicated volunteer at CASA for children for many years.
Mrs. Hagemeier's passion for her family was the cornerstone of her existence. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren, and with a twinkle in her eye, instilling in them a sense of boundless love and importance. Her deep faith was evident through her active membership at Church of Christ of Palestine, where she lived out her belief in service to others.
Her servant's heart was not confined to her church and volunteer activities; it extended into her home, where her kitchen was always open, a warm and welcoming haven for friends, family, and anyone in need of comfort. Mrs. Hagemeier was renowned for her baking skills, as well as her banana pudding and fudge, which became a symbol of her nurturing soul and her delight in bringing joy to others through her culinary creations.
Her personal battle with breast cancer, which began when she was just 29 years old, showcased her extraordinary fortitude. She overcame the disease with grace and strength, only to face Ovarian Cancer later in life. For the last six years, she fought fiercely, demonstrating the same tenacity and courage that she carried throughout her life.
Courageous, passionate, and loving are the words that best encapsulate the essence of Mrs. Hagemeier. Her legacy is one of undying love, selfless service, and the bravery with which she faced life's challenges. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, and her ability to find hope and positivity in the most trying of circumstances. Mrs. Hagemeier's life story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the impact one person can have on the world around them.
Mrs. Hagemeier joins her father, Maurice Higginbotham, and granddaughter, Gracie Hagemeier, in Heaven.
She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and guide those who loved her, including her husband, Dwayne Hagemeier; mother, Edna Higginbotham; children, Amanda Welch and husband Richard of Holly Lake Ranch, Jeffery Hagemeier and wife Hope of Cushing, Michael Hagemeier and wife Mary Helen of Palestine, and Angela Duncan and husband Jeffrey of Tyler. She also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way, that she adored; sisters, Linda May and husband Charles, Vivian Nichols and husband Gary; brother, Robert Higginbotham and wife Charla; and her sister-in-law, Janet Kerr. Mrs. Hagemeier will also be missed by her numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and multitude of friends.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation from three o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, the 10th day of December 2023 at Rhone Funeral Home.
A funeral service to celebrate Mrs. Hagemeier's life is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon, on Monday, the 11th day of December 2023, in the Rhone Memorial Chapel. John Orr will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in Cedar Creek Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mrs. Hagemeier's grandsons, Tristan Gross, Austin Gross, Colton Gross, Dustin Gross, Weston Gross, and Marshal Anderson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers include Weldon Anderson and Elijah Hagemeier.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed towards CASA for Children, 3616 West Way St., Tyler, Texas 75703.
For those unable to attend the funeral service, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Rhone Funeral Home's Facebook page.
Funeral services for Deborah Lynne Hagemeier are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.
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Dwayne, my heart goes out to you and your family. December 3 Rd. Was the 3 year anniversary of Brenda’s passing. I can only reflect on how I felt. It is devastating but consoling knowing where they both have gone. God bless you
With deepest sympathy to Deborah’s family, especially her dear mother, Edna Higginbotham. Much love and prayers.
My dear sweet Deborah. We were charting buddies back in the day. Everybody would leave except Deborah and me. There we were writing our hearts out about pain meds, foleys,enemas and the occasional bed bath. Those were the days! I will miss her sweet smile and her caring heart.
I met Deborah at Trace Dios we were in the same cabin together we became friends we ate meals sat by each other together she was a beautiful person. I love her so much we stayed friends. We talked she was the sweetest, most kindest person I’ve ever met. Shelley talked about how much she loved the Lord how much she loved her family. She will be greatly missed. I love you Deborah.
All my love for Deborah since childhood is now with you all who loved her. Dwayne, you have so lovingly cared for my eternal BFF and I’m grateful to you. Because of Deborah, I have always had a second family and the best childhood memories. 452 and 3914 until we meet again.
So sorry for the loss of a special lady you were loved by many and showered years of love upon people you will be missed I remember you and Dwayne from new Caney school back in the day . True love RIP YOUR WORK IS DONE PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY…
FRIENDS FOREVER NANCY CHANCEY
My dear Facebook friend….im going to miss you and miss seeing all your posts about your life and family. I know we only met briefly at Five Below in Tyler tx a few years back, but I enjoyed getting to know you more through Facebook. I love that we are both Christian’s so that hopefully we will meet again and get to know each other better. My prayers will continue for your beautiful family. In Christian love, Sharon Harrell (western ok.)
The last time I saw Deborah was at Dr. Dalal’s office. I didn’t even know she was that sick. She talked about changing her appointments to morning because she didn’t want to be late picking up her grandchildren from school. That is how caring and loving person she is. She wouldn’t allow her illness to keep her from being with her family. I hope you rest in peace and wish I have the same courage when my time comes. Love and prayers to your family.
Blessed by Deborah’s life, it is a light that warms every soul with her smile and witness to all goodness and loving light , for her husband , mother family and friends! Heavens are even brighter, now! Heroic battle fought, is won ! The light of Deborah’s loving kind spirit, to continue, to bless all she loves . The pain of missing , will be lightened, as we go onto remembering Deborah
a devoted mother, wife , daughter , sister ,aunt and friend !
Peace and Comfort of Christ are with all,
who have encountered the devout Faith and
Love of Deborah !
A life well lived,
God is pleased and Heaven rejoices !
My memory is about being
Indebted to God & Deborah, my little sister survived sepsis in her arms and leg, Deborah worked miraculously hard, after a 7 hour surgery and weeks , of treating her open wounds!Her nursing ability! Helping my sister heal through awful pain and suffering , preventing a fatal end! All Deborah’s kind health care, has my sister enjoying her life , This is a memory, I will be eternally grateful for!
I will always remember and cherish Deborah,
My friendship began through , her sister Linda , who is blessing from God to me!
All the Higgingbotham ladies are an exemplary testament of Our Lord Jesus and I love them all! Praying comfort for their saddened hearts, The healing heavens be with them!
Our prayers for the family. May Our Lord Jesus Christ bring you peace and comfort during this time of loss.
Dwayne,
We are all praying for you and the family. Though we all know Deb is well and loving being in the presence of our Lord Jesus, hearts are saddened for you and the girls and the boys. Deb served as a living testament of Faith, Hope, and Love. It was an homer to be her friend. We’re here for you, Dwayne.
Harold and Deb
My love and prayers are with the family as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful and beautiful Christian woman.
In Christian love Jean Lyle’s
When you met Deb it was not very long into a conversation before you were laughing. I really loved her ability to do that. My husband adds she was a very fine Lady. He was lucky in having her for a nurse once. The Giles family sends love and blessing to all Deb’s Family.
My deepest condolences goes out to Dwayne and his childeren. Deborah was my classmate and friend, she will be for ever in our hearts.
I first met Deb in the late 1990’s and we found that in this small world we had a mutual friend in Porter Texas. Grace, kindness, dignity and love are words tgat describe her beautiful soul. Heaven is so blessed to receive her. Much love to you my faithful friend â¤ï¸
Praying for each of you , for today and the days to come. May you each find the peace, love, and comfort in the arms of our Lord. God Bless.
I have so many special memories of growing up and worshipping with her and family at Porter you will never be forgotten
Dwayne and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was such a beautiful loving person. Praying for your comfort and peace as you walk through this season.
Deb was the sweetest, most kind, selfless soul. A true warrior. I will miss our talks. We always kept up with what was going on with each other, but she never wanted to talk about her battles. Always prayed for me, with me and asked about my kids and I, like we were a part of her extended family. She will be missed and most definitely was loved by all that had the privilege of knowing her.
Deborah worked with us at Wound Care for many years. Always sweet caring and had compassion and empathy for all our patients. It was a pleasure to work with her. God has another angel in Heaven! God bless her husband and family! She will never be forgotten!
Deborah is my Cousin. Growing up as Kids together in the late 1960s and 1970s, was a memorable experience for me. Deb was always very sweet to me, and had what I remember as a very keen sense of humor. She always found fun and laughter in the simple every day things that we did with the rest of the family.
She always sat a great example for others, and is truly one of Gods’ Children.
We are all going to miss her earthly presence, but knowing that we will be seeing her again in Heaven, is of the greatest comfort.
Love you Deb!
Dwayne and family. Our condolences and so sorry for your loss of Deborah. She served the Lord all of her life and helped so many. Rest in peace.
My prayers are for peace and comfort for the Hagemeier and Higginbotham family.
God Bless You,
Laverne Wright
Deborah was a beautiful, kind soul, inside & out! I was so blessed to know such a Godly woman! I know her life will be treasured by family & friends forever! May God comfort you all through this time of grief. 💞ðŸ™
WOW
What an amazing Christian woman we were blessed to know and have as an example in our lives!
So many memories from the days of being at Porter Church of Christ.
Dewayne, we know your heart is heavy, please know you and your beautiful family are in our prayers and thoughts.
We love and miss you so muchâ¤ï¸
I remember how sweet and kind she always was. God Bless her in her heavenly home. She is now pain free, for ever more. God Bless her for ever. Praying 🙠to be by her side someday soon. Mom.