Debbie, age 62, passed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ Monday, April 18, 2016 at her home in Chelsea, after a long battle with brain cancer. She was born May 23, 1953 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Kenneth John and Dorothy (Tomko) Flynn. Debbie graduated from Ypsilanti High School in the class of 1971. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1980. She worked at Beyer Hospital in Ypsilanti, Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, and then for more than twenty years at Chelsea Pediatric Center in Chelsea, Michigan. She was a member of Scio Community Alliance Church.
On April 26, 1980, she married Thomas James Power, and he survives. Other survivors include three children, Thomas Martin (Julie) Power of Chelsea, Caitlin Flynn (Jarrett Hale)Power of Elk Rapids, Michigan, and Kira Suhaam Power of Decorah, Iowa; a brother, Kenneth(Pam) Flynn of Belleville; two grand children, Kylie Power Sullivan and Lelia Power Thomason. She is also survived by her nephew Ryan (Heather) Flynn and their children Jeffery and Alyssa of Lake Tahoe, California.
Debbie was a truly loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and prayer warrior. She always said she didn’t want a long-winded obituary. But how can we keep silent about a life lived out so much exemplifying love, patience, endurance, humor, and unwavering hope. Throughout her illness she refused to yield to negativity, but held that God was using this challenge to enable us to grow in our relationship with Him. “... we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character, and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.
Our hearts just ache with missing her. But what a quiet, precious gift she has been to us. Love given for so long with no conditions; filled with good will and hope. Over many years her prayer was that our children and their many friends would come to or grow in their relationship with the Lord. She loved this Scripture which she felt described her hope for them: “That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3.
We would like to thank the many many kind and gracious people who have given us so much prayer, love, hope, humor, and support in every way imaginable throughout all the days of this most difficult and challenging illness. Her struggle and suffering is done. The following reveals her present reality, alive in the Lord.
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” Psalm 30: 11-12
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan with Pastor Kirk Schneeman officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family received friends Friday from 4-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Clinic, P. O. Box 980311, Ypsilanti, MI 48198.