Harriet Ann DeBose

In loving memory of Harriet Ann DeBose, born November 14, 1927, in Abingdon, Va., she entered into rest on Sunday, January 3, 2021.  Harriet is survived by her son, David DeBose, Jr. and his wife, Alecia, and their daughters, Belicia and Dominique, and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews.   

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Blasco DeBose; her parents, James and Louise Anderson; and her two brothers, David and William Anderson.   

Harriet Ann, affectionately called “Herdan” by her loved ones, was the matriarch of the Anderson-DeBose family.  She was the most loving, caring, compassionate, and empathetic person you’d ever encounter.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher.   

She taught for over 50 years, spending 40+ years in the Southwest Virginia School District as a third-grade teacher, and often taught three generations of the same family.  She was one of the unsung heroes of extraordinary people that come into your life and are gone before you realize how blessed we were to know them.   

Mrs. DeBose was a professional educator most of her life and treasured her students.  She was often referred to as the best, most influential, teacher they ever had.  She never stopped educating kids and often tutored students that needed additional help whenever and wherever she could.   

She was also a devoted community servant.  There is so much more that could be said about Mrs. DeBose because she lived such a good and blessed life.  She was a true example of how to Live, Laugh, and Love.  “She leaves behind a legacy with infinitely large shoes to fill and will be terribly missed by her family, friends, and the community.”   

A private funeral ceremony will be livestreamed on Saturday, January 9, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. from the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Elder William K. Anderson officiating. The livestreamed service may be viewed by visiting https://www.farrisfuneralservice.com/services/live-stream. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. In accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, social distancing practices will be implemented, and face masks will be required for attendance. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105. 

Those wishing to express sympathy online or send “Hugs from Home” may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.  The family of Harriet Ann DeBose is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).