Debbie Oakes Knickerbocker

Published 9:26 am Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Debbie Oakes Knickerbocker, 64, of Hampton, formerly of Akron, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, February 12, 2016, at Bristol Select Specialty Hospital following an extended illness. Debbie was the daughter of the late Roger Earl and Louise Webb Oakes and was born in Carter County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Richard “Rick” Knickerbocker.
Debbie loved her Lord, and believed that she was born holding the hand of God. Her love of God was evident in her work for her church, Cornerstone Free Methodist Church of Akron, Ohio, where she ran the Wee Care Day Camp, taught Sunday School, ran a card ministry, prayer ministries and loved to sing, even though she couldn’t carry a tune. She began her Christian walk in the Salvation Army, where she later met her husband, Rick.
Debbie retired from the Coventry School District in Portage Lakes, Ohio, following 27 years of service. She especially loved her time teaching kindergarten and did many extra things for her students and loved each and every one of them. Deborah was a prayer warrior who loved life, holidays, especially Christmas, and spending time with her family and friends, whom she loved to encourage, as she did all people.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kelly Knickerbocker, of the home; a brother, Harlan Oakes and his wife, Debby, Akron, Ohio; a nephew; Chaz Oakes and his wife, Tiffany, Akron, Ohio; a niece, Chelsy Oakes Harte and her husband, Derrick, Akron, Ohio; a great-nephew, Logan Harte, Akron, Ohio; a special aunt, Faye Perry, Hampton; and a special cousin, Nannette Carver, Johnson City. Several other cousins and special friends also survive.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 18, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, and at the home at other times. A service to honor the life of Mrs. Knickerbocker will be conducted on Friday, February 19, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Brenda Young officiating. The committal service will follow the funeral service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Mitchual Perry Sr., Alex Perry, Danny Carver, Dustin Johnson, Adam Oakes, John Rea, Chaz Oakes and Derrick Harte. Honorary pallbearers will be Harlan Oakes, Larry Luzader, Russ Gergely and Mitch Perry Jr. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to TLC Community Center, 145 Judge Don Lewis Blvd., Suite 5, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Knickerbocker family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.