DEBBIE JEANNE MCGOVNEY
May 6, 1963 ~ May 28, 2012
Debbie Jeanne McGovney, 49, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 28, 2012 at her home after a year of illness.
She was born May 6, 1963, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Leo and Jeanne Helene Ewers Hopkins.
She graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School & Southeastern Community College, Keokuk, Iowa. She received a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1986. She received a Masters in Mathematics Education from the University of Missouri, in 1991.
She married David McGovney on November 12, 1988.
She taught at Jefferson City High School from 1986 to 1996 and Columbia College from 1996 to present. She taught full-time as a math instructor at Lincoln University from 2005 to present.
More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed long early-morning walks on the Greenway, and when the opportunity, long early-morning walks on the beach.
Survivors include her husband David McGovney of the home; son Timothy and wife Jennifer of Eugene, Oregon; daughter Kathleen McGovney of the home; son Kevin McGovney of the home; mother Jeanne Schultze of Keokuk, Iowa; father Robert Hopkins and his wife Betty of Jefferson City; sister Cathy Skotowski and her husband Rich of Mount Vernon, Iowa; brother Patrick Hopkins and his wife Jennifer of Jefferson City; brother Daniel Hopkins, of Jefferson City; and; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Helen and Raymond Ewers, and her paternal grandparents, Lucille and Leo Hopkins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012, 4-6:30 p.m. at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, Jefferson City, Missouri.
A time to share memories of Debbie will be held at 6 :30 p.m. at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a balloon release immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Sjogrens Syndrome Foundation, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Ste 325, Bethesda, MD; or Columbia Second-Chance (a non-kill animal shelter), 24687 Highway 179, Booneville, Missouri.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
She was born May 6, 1963, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Leo and Jeanne Helene Ewers Hopkins.
She graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School & Southeastern Community College, Keokuk, Iowa. She received a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1986. She received a Masters in Mathematics Education from the University of Missouri, in 1991.
She married David McGovney on November 12, 1988.
She taught at Jefferson City High School from 1986 to 1996 and Columbia College from 1996 to present. She taught full-time as a math instructor at Lincoln University from 2005 to present.
More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed long early-morning walks on the Greenway, and when the opportunity, long early-morning walks on the beach.
Survivors include her husband David McGovney of the home; son Timothy and wife Jennifer of Eugene, Oregon; daughter Kathleen McGovney of the home; son Kevin McGovney of the home; mother Jeanne Schultze of Keokuk, Iowa; father Robert Hopkins and his wife Betty of Jefferson City; sister Cathy Skotowski and her husband Rich of Mount Vernon, Iowa; brother Patrick Hopkins and his wife Jennifer of Jefferson City; brother Daniel Hopkins, of Jefferson City; and; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Helen and Raymond Ewers, and her paternal grandparents, Lucille and Leo Hopkins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012, 4-6:30 p.m. at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home, Jefferson City, Missouri.
A time to share memories of Debbie will be held at 6 :30 p.m. at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a balloon release immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Sjogrens Syndrome Foundation, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Ste 325, Bethesda, MD; or Columbia Second-Chance (a non-kill animal shelter), 24687 Highway 179, Booneville, Missouri.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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David,I don’t know if you remember me or not,but I was Debbie and your family’s hairstylist for several years in the 1990s. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and the kids in this loss of Debbie. I have wonderful memories of great conversations and laughs with Debbie and your family through out the years. Chuck still remembers going windsurfing with you at Binder Lake. Your family is in our prayers. Sincerely,Chuck and Lori Ewing
I was so sorry I could not attend the memorial service today. But, I want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss and saddened by the loss, too soon, of such a nice person and wonderful teacher. I taught with Debbie at LU. She is missed as a colleague and compassionate person.
David and Kids — I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. It must be very difficult for you all right now. I would be with you this Saturday, but am going to be out of town. Please know, especially David, that I would like to help you through this if you need it. –Jerry Kelly
I had the priviledge of working with Debbie at JCHS and enjoyed her company, professionalism, and passion for working with all students. She will be missed but I know that everyone who came in contact with her are better people for having had the opportunity of knowing her. God Bless your family.
My heart is with your entire family as you go through this very difficult time. Although we hadn’t spent much time together as adults, Debbie’s visit to Utah two years ago was special and made me realize how much we had in common. I know she suffered way too much in her life and she is now in a much better place. If I could be there for her Life Celebration I would be. I do plan to walk 11 miles in her honor, which I will spread over three days. Debbie was truly special and will me missed immensely. My love and thoughts are with you.Sherry
So sad to hear of Debbie’s passing.Our prayers are with the family.
Just read the obituary in the Daily Gate City. We extend our condolances and love. We pray our mighty God and Heavenly Father will give you the strength, understanding, comfort, and peace that can only come through Him and His love. We know how you lean upon Him daily.
David and family,We send our heartfelt sympathy to you in the passing of Debbie. We fondly remember her from our days at First United Methodist Church and seeing you guys at sporting events. We remember Debbie as a lovely lady with a sweet personality. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and our prayers are with you.
Jeanne,and Family,,Our deepest sympathy to you.in your loss.
David, I’m so sorry about the death of your wife. I will try to make it to the funeral home on June 9th. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Debbie. I remember Debbie at Cardinal Stritch. She was a sweet gal. Thought’s and prayers are with you all.Sincerely,Alice Winkler Morehouse
You have my deepest sympathy Our prayer are with Debbie and all your family
We were so sorry to learn about the loss of Debbie. We have good memories of her when she was in our Sunday school class at FUMC. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mr. McGovney, children & family,It is so sad to hear the untimely passing away of Debbie. It was really shocking. She was an excellent instructor, employee, and co-worker. A very sweet person! We really miss her. She taught my daughter in high school and she has nothing but praise for Debbie’s teaching and kindness. Please accept my sincere condolences. May God help you all to overcome this! You will be in our prayers.Sincerely,Balakumar FamilyLincoln University
Pain can be invisible to many but to the one experiencing the pain it is far from invisible. May you take comfort in knowing that the suffering she experineced is over and that the goodness she offered to those she touched through education, generosity and her love for animals will live forever.With Deepest Sorrow,Your Former Sister-n-LawWendy
We are so sorry for your loss. Debbie and I had alot of wonderful conversations. We will miss her terribly. If you need anything at all, let us know.
Our thought & prayers to the family of our classmate. Debbie was a woderful & thoughfull person & will be missed by everyone she touched.
There was no one in this world like Debbie! She was the most thoughtful, caring and generous person you could find and our hearts are absolutely broken. We loved her dearly and will miss her terribly. I’m just so glad that she isn’t in any more pain and look forward to seeing her again one day.
Family so sorry to learn of this sorrow.I met Debbie thur one of her students that had an incident happen while her class was at the Library.The student missed a step and fell and Debbie brought her to the health center a very caring indivdual God bless you!!
David & Patrick,Deepest condolences on the passing of Debbie. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Debbie’s husband and children.I taught with Debbie at JCHS. I am shocked and sad to hear of her death.I also remember when you children were born and also when you are a part of our church.My Prayers are with all of you at this time.Helen Finley
Dave and family,We were so very sorry to hear of Debbie’s death. We know she is in a better place and at peace, but it is so hard for those of us left behind. Our hearts go out to all of you. Please know you will be held dear in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers in the coming days and weeks. Grief is exhausting, so do take care of yourselves. Hold on to your memories of the love and good times. Agape,Bill & Joanne Bostedo(Beth’s parents)
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Debbie. I met her while teaching taekwondo at Howard’s ATA Black Belt Academy. Debbie was always so friendly and genuine; always had the kind of presence that could brighten a room instantly. She will definitely be missed in a very big way…May the Lord bring your family comfort and peace. I will keep all of you in my prayers.God bless you,Kevin MathisAustin, Texas
I am very sorry for Ms. McGovney’s passing. I did not know her personnally but as part of the LU family please accept my condelences, Sincerely
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I taught with Ms McGovney in the Computer Science and Math Department and thought she was a wonderful person.
So sorry to her of Mrs McGovney’s passing. She was a wonderful College instructor and I hear she was a great high school teacher as well. She made my second attempt at college much easier with all her extra help in College Algebra. One of my greatest college experiences was in her class at Columbia College taking College Algebra wih my wife, April. I will always be greatful of the opportunity she provided us.
We are so sorry for your loss. This world has lost a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed by whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace. Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are for your loss. Love, Mike and Rosie
Debbie was an amazing person, teacher and friend. She will be sorely missed in the math department at Lincoln and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know and work with her. My prayers will be with her and all of her family.