Deborah Clark Casey

Posted on April 12, 2019

Deborah Clark Casey, 69, passed away on March 26, 2019, at the Good Samaritan nursing home in Daytona Beach, Florida, after a prolonged struggle with the devastating effects of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Debbie was born in Gainesville, Fla., on January 6, 1950, to Lloyd Bishop Clark, Jr. and Sue Owen Clark while the couple were attending the University of Florida. After college, they returned with young Debbie to Perry, Fla., where Debbie spent a happy youth with her siblings along with numerous cousins and friends. Debbie was salutatorian in her class, a cheerleader and was active in various other activities growing up.

Debbie married Allan Casey in Perry before the young couple moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida where Debbie graduated with her Bachelors’ degree in Education. After school, Debbie moved with her husband to Winter Haven, Fla., to begin careers. Debbie taught high school for several years before the birth of her two children Brian and Melissa at which point, she became a full-time mother and community volunteer.

Debbie moved to Fernandina Beach, Fla., after parting with her spouse. In Fernandina, Debbie started a new career as a realtor which eventually evolved into property development and residential construction.

Debbie moved back to the costal Taylor County area about 15 years ago to reconnect with family, friends and nature. While she continued her work as a realtor and property developer, Debbie loved the slow pace of life at the beach; she enjoyed gardening, all animals- most especially her beloved dogs- and the beautiful sunsets on the water.

Debbie always put the love and support of her children and other family before herself. She had a lifelong love of nature whether it was the coast, having lived on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, or in the mountains of North Carolina, which she loved to visit and for which she always yearned.

Ms. Clark Casey is survived by her sisters Marianne Clark, Elaine Heartsfield (Bruce), brother Lloyd Bishop “Bish” Clark III (Amanda), her two children Brian (Karen) and Melissa and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on April 12 at 6:00PM at St. James Episcopal Church in Perry, Fla. The family asks that in leu of flowers, a donation be made to Debbie Casey’s gofundme.com page — proceeds will be divided among several charities close to Debbie’s heart.