Debbie W. Dolese

Obituary as a courtesy to Mrs. Dolese's family.

Debbie Whetona Walker Dolese, age 88, of St. Simons Island and formerly Newington, Georgia, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Magnolia Manor. Debbie was one of three children born in Newington, Georgia to parents Joseph and Corrie Coursey Walker. The family moved to St. Simons in the early 1940’s. Debbie attended St. Simons Island Elementary School and was a graduate of Glynn Academy. She met and married US Coast Guardsman Raymond Dolese in the 50’s, and the couple began their love for traveling the world while he was in the service. After he retired, the couple moved back to St. Simons Island. After many years, they moved back to Debbie’s home town of Newington where they purchased a home in the country. Debbie could do anything! She was independent and outspoken and these attributes served her well. She was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, loved playing cards, gardening and animals of all types. She loved horseback riding and was known for having a giving, helping heart. After Raymond’s death, Debbie remained in the country until her health began to decline and she returned to her beloved St. Simons Island. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Raymond F. Dolese, Jr. and her brother, Joseph William “Bill” Walker.

Debbie is survived by her sister, Margaret “Jerry” Sarro of St. Simons Island; two nieces and their husbands, Margaret and Mike Force of Brunswick and Debbie and Bruce Bowman of Franklin, TN; three great nieces and their husbands, Chele and Jon Lyons of St. Simons Island, Anna and Jay Adair of the USVI and Rachel and Shawn Scott of Franklin, TN; a great nephew, Jimmy Goodis of St. Simons Island; two great-great nieces, Shannon Silva and Lexie Floyd ; three  great-great nephews, Nick Silva and Conner and  Bennett  Floyd; cousins, Larry and Janice Dugger,  Norma Jean  and Ashley Morgan and Andy Burns as well as several other family members.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 4 from 12:30 to 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sylvania, Georgia. The funeral will begin at 1:00 pm in the Church with Reverend Lou Lussier officiating. Burial will follow in Newington City Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at Magnolia Manor for taking such great care of Debbie for the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Magnolia Manor of St. Simons, 2255 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA  31522.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements with Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home assisting with local services.