Deborah "Debbie" Ann Riley, 69, of Jourdanton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on May 13, 2023.  She was born on January 19, 1954, in New Braunfels, TX to Jesse Butler and Jo Ann (Croft) Butler.

Jimmy and Debbie met when she was only 12 years old, and although she decided he was not the guy for her, 15 years later she changed her mind, and the two were married. They celebrated 38 years together as partners not only in life but in ministry as well. Debbie had the gift of music, and she used this gift to glorify God vocally and in writing music. She had an amazing voice and a natural ability to harmonize so easily. She stood by her husband's side as he Pastored a church in Jourdanton for 28 years and at a church in Gonzalez for 2 years.

Ministry was a way of life and her love for God so easily flowed from her as she had the spirit of giving. She loved to give gifts to everyone she knew, it was important to her that they knew she was thinking of them and loved them. She was a selfless person that ensured everyone was taken care of, she loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a soft spot for children in general, if she was around a child, she would become "grandma" to them with the love and kindness she showed. Debbie was a great cook and loved family gatherings. She especially loved family trips and traveling with her husband. She always dreamed of owning an RV and just hitting the roads, to absorb all of God's beautiful creation. Debbie was a member of the Coastal Bend Gospel Music Association and was extended numerous awards over the years. The life she lived was a testimony to her Lord and Savior and she will be missed deeply.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and JoAnn Butler; brother Darrell Butler; and brothers-in-law Mike Ipsen and Gerald Gawlik.

She is survived by her life partner and husband, Jimmy Riley; daughter, Carrie Hoerig and her husband Allen Jr.; son, Bryan Lenz; and daughter, Kathy Bowen; sister, Esther Ipsen, and Christie Gawlik; grandchildren, Billy Jo "BJ", Cord (Courtney), Kayla (Gilbert). Kelsey, Cody, Jessyca, Star (Jacob), Kristopher, and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Case, Christopher, Avianna, Avalee, Cameron, Kyleigh, Oliver, Benjamin, Elijah, and Rilynn.

The family will be holding a visitation on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Hurley Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, starting at 2:00 pm in the Hurley Funeral Home chapel.  Burial will follow at Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet.