Deborah Sue Ball

It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our cherished family member, Debi Ball. Debi is the eldest child of Charles Ezra Ball, Jr. and Patricia Sue Pitts Ball. Debi grew up with younger siblings, Randy and Jodie, on Stanfield Circle in Bryan, Texas, and remained a member of the best neighborhood family whose doors were always open to “come on in”.  After graduating high school and taking college courses, as well as working various jobs including a lab at Texas A&M University, Debi moved to Houston to begin her life-long career in the title industry. Debi raised her beautiful children, Amanda, Charles and Sara, in Houston and in Katy where they still reside with her precious grandchildren, Camryn, Caleb & Casey.  

After 30 years of service in the title industry, Debi took a break to pursue a lifelong dream of owning and operating a family-run deli in Houston, “Home Plate Cafe”, where her patrons experienced delicious food and the feeling of “home” that Debi always created. She later returned to the title business to continue her brilliance in the industry.  Debi loved her title company family which included her own brother Randy until his death in 2007, Dot Graham, who was in daily contact with Debi for years, and a long list of special friends. 

Debi’s passion was cooking and her home was open at all times for great meals and even better company. Many had specific food requests for her famous salsa, chili con queso, macaroni salad, pinto beans, rum balls, and more. She loved to BBQ, and always made sure there was a big spread at any holiday or family gathering. As talented as she was, she did not know how to cook for less than a small army, and her family eventually learned to come ready with tupperware for left-overs. Her love and talent for cooking was instilled in her daughters and grandchildren. Debi was the best storyteller; she was captivating and could leave any audience crying from laughter. If you ever needed a shoulder to cry on or a word of wisdom, Debi, with her heart of gold, was always there. 

Debi always wanted to live in the country in her retirement cabin and worked very hard to achieve this dream. She resided in Somerville the last few years where she enjoyed the quiet sunrises and morning visits from deer in her backyard. She loved her wonderful neighbors, Darlene & Richard, who helped her out immensely. Though Debi’s health issues kept her from doing everything she wanted to do, she never gave up or lost hope. She persevered, tackled every obstacle with poise, grace, and strength, and taught us all that with a positive attitude, good work ethic, and a little bit of wit, anything was possible. Debi leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and an open seat at the table. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Debi was preceded in death, by her father, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a cousin.  Debi is survived by her sweet dog and best friend who never left her side, Lucille Ball “Lucy”, her mother-Patricia Ball, sister-Jodie Hodges, children-Amanda Ball, Charles Ball & Sara Murphy and husband/son-in-law-Patrick Murphy, grandchildren-Camryn Lizotte, Caleb Lizotte & Casey Lizotte, nephews-Scott Hodges and Joshua Ball, an aunt-Gayla Pitts, uncles-William (Bub) Pitts and his wife/aunt Beverley Pitts, and Doug Mathews and his wife, Pam Mathews, numerous cousins and many special friends.   

In lieu of flowers, please consider pet adoption at your local animal shelter.  Aggieland Humane Society in Bryan is currently over capacity with potential new best friends.  

The family is grateful for all the outpouring of love, prayers and generosity.  Thank you and God Bless you all. 

A celebration of life to be announced.