Our dear friend and beloved family member Deborah Winslett of Pensacola, FL died Sunday, January 16, 2021 at Baptist Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident earlier that evening.

Debbie was so very loved by so many people. She had a big heart, a beautiful smile and a wonderful laugh that was infectious. Her youthfulness belied her 70 years, and her blunt style, wry wit, and vibrant personality gave her a larger-than-life persona that will leave an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Everyone who knew Debbie knew of her love for animals and her lifelong devotion to animal welfare. She considered the countless cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and assorted other creatures large and small who shared her home over the years to be valued members of her family. She fostered and adopted hundreds of animals in need and helped thousands more find loving homes. She was a tireless advocate for spaying and neutering and volunteered with a variety of animal welfare organizations throughout her life. The passion Debbie had for the care of other living beings is rare, and rarer still was her dedication to action in pursuit of that passion. Her efforts made a real and meaningful impact on the world around her, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy of love.

Deborah Lee Winslett was born September 14, 1951 to Gene and Willie Mae (Smith) Winslett. She was raised in Pensacola and Daphne, Alabama and was a 1969 graduate of Fairhope High School. She had a successful career in sales and business development with companies including First State Bank and Cox Communications. She lived in a number of places throughout her life, but always considered Pensacola to be home and had a special affinity for the East Hill neighborhood where she lived for many years on Lakeview Avenue.

She is preceded in death by both parents; her stepfather, Bill Lott and her brother, David Lott.

Debbie is survived by her sister, Rhonda Lott Hobson of Valley Grande, AL; her niece, Amanda Seckinger of Roswell, GA; her nephews, Clint Fuhrman of Madison, VA and Nathan Fuhrman of Blacksburg, VA; her cousin, Don Smith of Perdido Key, FL; numerous cousins and relatives within the Smith and Winslett families and her abundance of close and dear friends who were family who gave her so much love and joy. She also leaves behind two cats, Dolly and Dovey, who she loved dearly.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Debbie at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Pensacola, FL on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 am. Details can be found on the Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel website at https://www.harpermorrismemorialchapel.com .

Donations in Debbie's memory may be made to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida at Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida (pensacolawildlife.com) .

Debbie was taken from us far too soon and we grieve her loss deeply, but we also take comfort and rejoice in the wonderful privilege of knowing her, loving her, and sharing our lives with her. We miss and love you Deb and can't wait to see you again.