Deborah Ann (Hines) Keltner

On July 27, 2021 the world lost one of the most kind, caring and loving women who ever lived, Mrs. Deborah Ann (Hines) Keltner.  She passed away unexpectedly around noon in her home, from a sudden, massive heart attack.

Debbie was born on February 16, 1950 to Raymond Larrimore Hines and Eleanor Whitwell Hines.   She grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee and graduated from Hay Long High School in 1968.  Debbie was always a sweetheart and such a joy to be around, and she was voted “Most Witty” of her Senior Class.

Debbie fell in love and dated Larry Keltner for many years.  During that time they enjoyed camping, attending UT football games and Atlanta Braves baseball games, and hanging out with their close friends.  Larry and Debbie eventually married on December 7, 1976 at a small courthouse in Florence, Alabama. 

Larry and Debbie moved to Lewis County in 1978 following the birth of their first child, Jonah Hines Keltner. Three years later the Keltner’s were blessed with their second child, Joshua Jude Keltner.  Their third and final child, Osa Jill Keltner, was born three years after that. 

The Keltner’s lived on Teen Cothran Hill on Mt. Joy Road for over fifteen years.  In 1993, they moved to Hohenwald so they could be closer to Lewis County Schools, in order to support their children at ballgames and other school events.  During that time, Debbie was a devoted homemaker, managing things around the house and raising her three children. 

Debbie devoted her entire adult life to her family, and was constantly urging them to “Live, Laugh, Love” and “Make memories that will be in your hearts forever”.  Her grandchildren were definitely her pride and joy, and her home was a place they were always welcome to visit, play and feel so loved by their “Mama K”.

If Debbie was ever not at home, she was most likely working or relaxing with Larry at their beautiful Tennessee River Camp located in the Cypress Creek community in Perry County. Since 1988, Debbie and her family have made countless precious memories together at their camp, which she affectionately called "God's Little Acre".

Debbie was always providing support, encouragement and love to her family and friends.  She frequently mailed out handwritten letters and heartfelt cards to comfort those up who were hurting, lift those up who were down, and to let those she loved know that she appreciated them.

Debbie was a faithful Christian who had a deep love, respect and adoration for the Lord.  She was constantly praying for people, and putting others needs ahead of her own.  Debbie was certainly a virtuous woman, as described in the book of Proverbs.

Debbie was preceded in death by Benton and Osa Whitwell (her beloved Big Mama and Papa); Larrimore and Eleanor Hines (her loving parents), Leroy Martin (her brother-in-law); and Kainen Keltner (her precious grandson).   

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Larry Keltner; son Jonah (Tonya) Keltner; son Josh (Bethaney) Keltner; and daughter Jill (Meredith) Norris.

As well as her brothers Jimmy (Sara) Hines and Phillip (Tresa) Hines, and sister Shelia Martin; along with several in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

“Mama K” is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kailee, Kinlee and Karlee Keltner; Knox Keltner; Robert, Kaitlyn and Benjamin Wagonschutz, and Charlotte Norris.

Debbie was an extremely humble woman, and always said she did not want a large funeral with lots of people attending and making a big fuss about her.  To honor her wishes, there was only a small graveside service officiated by Brother Glen Floyd wit just her immediate family present on Thursday July 29,2021 at 11:00 am at the Freedom Holy Temple Cemetery, where her earthly body was laid to rest by her beloved grandson, Kainen.

Adair Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements.

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