““It’s not what you gather, it’s what you scatter that tells the kind of life you have lived.”
Life story
Debra Ann (Chambers) Whitlatch, affectionately known as “Meemaw” age 66, of Graysville, took her last earthly breath and first heavenly breath on Friday, March 5, 2021, in her home, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness.
Born August 16, 1954, in Waynesburg, daughter of the late Glenn Chambers and Shirley (Hixenbaugh) Chambers.
Debra attended West Greene High School. She was a former member of Nebo United Methodist Church and a member of Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Church. Debra married her soulmate, Robert P. Whitlatch, and they were happily married for 27 years until his passing on July 5, 1998.
Debra was a lifelong resident of Greene County. She was a homemaker and a caregiver to many. Debra’s few passions were gardening, shopping, and cooking. She had a servant’s heart, welcoming anyone into her home with a smile, even inviting complete strangers, who were down on their luck, for a home cooked meal. One of her favorite quotes to live by was, “If you have two, give one away.” Debra believed the sun rose and set on her children and grandchildren. There was nothing she enjoyed more than having a house full. On any given day, you could find a yard full of kids, dust flying, dirt bike tracks, and the joyous sound of laughter. She would say, I can have a nice yard when I’m gone.” Debra spent her life loving and nurturing not only her family, but many others in our community as well.
She is survived by four children, Michele Greene of West Finley, Teresa (Douglas) Hunt of Waynesburg, Daniel (Kelly) Whitlatch of Waynesburg and Joshua (Mary) Whitlatch of Waynesburg; seven grandchildren, Airin Weight, Levi Weight, Seth Weight, Morgan Hunt, Michaela McMclure, Miranda and Ava Whitlatch; one great-grandchild, Warren Donahue and a little one due in August (Hattie Ann). Debra had one sister, Kimberly (Larry) Taylor of Greensboro; four brothers, Thomas (Shelly) Chambers of Hubert, N.C., Robert (Donna Hughes) Chambers of Holbrook, Harold (B.J.) Chambers of Wind Ridge and Kevin Chambers who resided with her.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a son, Terry Lee Whitlatch, who died in infancy and a brother, Charles Chambers, who died at four-years-old.
Now that I am older, I can look back on the years and I understand. I understand everything. I see that you have loved us all our lives, only as a Mother can.
I see the love that surrounded us. The countless sleepless nights caring for us through every little sickness. Boo boos and hurt feelings that were magically made better with your hugs and kisses.
Your sound advice and guidance lovingly given even if we didn’t think we needed it. We did. Happy days spent together, talking, laughing and making the most beautiful memories.
I know many times you went without, to make our wants and needs less. Your endless love has left an infinite imprint on our souls, and in who we’ve become.
Your love has come full circle, as we have raised our children and they are now beginning to raise their own. Following your light and spreading all the love you have planted within us.
Most days I still need you and every day I love and miss you.
