Deborah “Debbie” Jayne Potts Keatley

Deborah “Debbie” Jayne Potts Keatley, age 69, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Vero Beach, FL. Born on November 16, 1954, in Fargo, ND, Debbie lived a life full of love, dedication, and passion.

Debbie graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1973 and furthered her education at Indian River Community College, where she graduated in 1975. She worked as a legal secretary for Charles Garris Attorney in Vero Beach, FL, dedicating six years of her professional life to her role.

A proud member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion, Debbie was deeply involved in her community. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing tennis, collecting memorabilia, watching movies, dancing, and spending mornings on the beach with her family. Spending time riding with her husband and friends were some of her favorite activities. These activities brought her immense joy and allowed her to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Paul Allen Keatley; her sons, Scott Allen Keatley and his wife Gina Puzzanghera, and Craig Thomas Keatley and his wife Whitney Walker. She is also survived by her older sister, Beverly Potts Brown, and her husband Larry Brown, her older brother, Robert Potts, and her grandchildren, Paul Walker Keatley and McKenzie June Keatley.

Debbie’s legacy is one of love, community, and a zest for life. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her spirited personality, and the joy she brought to those around her. She loved her family and friends deeply, and the time spent with them was among her most cherished moments. Beverly remembers their Christmas celebrations in Vero Beach and how Debbie wandered downtown Moorhead at age three, leading to a family lore and many laughs. Scott remembers Debbie taking him to parades and the joy she would have cheering on the bands and floats. She was always on the lookout for candy being thrown. Craig fondly recalls their annual trips to see the Miami Dolphins, with Debbie even making it onto the jumbotron on their last trip. Whitney fondly recalls the morning after her wedding, receiving a wake-up call from Debbie congratulating her as Mrs. Keatley. Her grandson Paul remembers the joy she had in seeing him on stage in plays. McKenzie loved shopping at Claire’s with “DeeDee”. Paul fondly remembers the thousands of miles they rode together, the open road a testament to their shared journey, each mile a chapter in their story of love. These cherished moments reflect the joy and enthusiasm she brought to every aspect of her life.

Debbie, who was Presbyterian, will be joining her mother Vera M. Pomarnke, her father Robert L. Potts, her beloved stepfather Byron Moore, and her brother Richard Potts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Debbie’s memory.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.