Deborah List Schell's Obituary
Deborah List Schell passed away in her sleep peacefully on Friday November 24th 2023. Deborah was born on September 10th, 1959, and was 64 years young. Deborah was the lifelong loving wife of 35 years to her husband, Craig, and proud mother to Nathalie, Christopher, and Timothy. She was overjoyed by her new daughter-in-law, Brooke. She was a fierce warrior of an eight-year battle with Stage 4 Melanoma. She fought each day for her family and filled our lives with so much joy and laughter throughout her journey. A proud American, she was given new energy in her battle with cancer by the upcoming new member of our family, SFC Charles Collins, III, a 20-year special forces Army veteran – who will be marrying Nathalie in September.
Born in Okinawa, Japan on a U.S. military base to a family in the U.S. Airforce, she moved throughout her childhood before settling in New Orleans in 1971. Deborah attended Metairie Park Country Day, and The University of New Orleans with a degree in Finance, graduating in 1984. Upon graduation from UNO, she worked for Historical Restoration, Inc. where her focus was the revival of historic buildings in the greater New Orleans area and was instrumental in the revival of the Warehouse District. Deborah also was a key player in establishing the first brick and mortar first responder stations in the 1st district of New Orleans.
She loved the New Orleans Saints and was a proud member of the Who Dat Nation and always bragged that she taught her kids how to proudly scream “Who Dat!” – no matter what the occasion.
In 1991 she made a profession of faith, accepting Jesus Christ as her savior. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Covington, LA. In the following years she helped establish a women’s bible study fellowship. She made lifelong friendships that helped carry her through her battle with cancer. Her witnessing of Jesus Christ led her entire family to the Lord. We are eternally grateful for the leadership in faith she gave to her family.
Later in life, her joy was raising her three children, and being a support to her loving husband, Craig. She instilled in her children the capacity to think critically, and to always see things in perspective. In her free time, her passions included: Gardening, bird watching, sewing, and anything related to History. She loves her dog Theodore, also known as “Mr. T” and Scout.
Deborah was preceded in death by her father, John List, and mother Ruth List. She is survived by her brother John List, Jr., Husband and three children, one daughter in law, and one soon to be son in law.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Service at The Chapel at First Baptist Covington, 16054 Murphy Rd., Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 AM until service time. If desired, donations may be made in the name of Deborah List Schell at https://secure3.convio.net/mdacc/site/TR/DIY/General?px=1533656&pg=personal&fr_id=1631. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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