Deborah Jeanne Rakestraw's Obituary
Deborah Jeanne Rakestraw of Fredericksburg went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Her earthly life ended at John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, VA after a short battle with complications from Covid-19.
Deborah was born on July 16, 1955, in Winchester, VA to the late Guenter and June Skole. When she was five, her family moved to McLean, VA, where she grew up. Later, Deborah graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Deborah lived a full life that centered around serving the Lord and serving her family. She enjoyed homeschooling, art, and music; Deborah particularly enjoyed Blue Grass – singing and playing her guitar. Her warm and fun-loving nature made the Rakestraw home a welcome place for all of her childrens’ friends, who lovingly called her “Mama Straw.”
Deborah enjoyed the fellowship of her Precepts Bible Study group. She also enjoyed serving alongside her husband in the Spotsylvania Camp of The Gideons International. Deborah served as the Camp Chaplin in the Auxiliary (ladies’ group), and at the time of her passing was serving as the Vice President in the Auxiliary.
Deborah is survived by her husband, James; four daughters, Priscilla (Jonathan) Barlow, Abigail (Josh) Lipscomb, Elizabeth (Jacob) Rollins, and Hannah (Nick) Stanley; and five sons, Joseph, John, James, Jesse, and Josiah. The eldest son Joseph, and wife, Julia, are the parents of two boys, Frederick and Gilbert. Deborah is also survived by her aunt, Gwenn; her sister, Karen Skole; and her brother Rev. David Skole; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at New Life in Christ Church at 11925 Burgess Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. The Service is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Spotsylvania Camp of The Gideons International.
Link for the LiveStream of the service: https://www.nlicc.org/watchlive/
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