Debrah Helen McAbee, 71, Bridge City

Debrah Helen McAbee, 71, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on July 30, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in San Diego, California, on July 8, 1953, she was the daughter of Wallace Lute and Opal (Cox) Lute. Deborah lived a life filled with compassion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Throughout career as a CTC Operator for Kansas Railroad, Deborah showcased her exceptional work ethic and commitment to duty. After 17 years of service, she retired in 2000 with a legacy of professionalism and reliability. Beyond her professional achievements, Deborah will be remembered for the profound impact she had on those around her. She known for her selflessness, always putting others' needs before her own. Whether it was caring for her ailing parents with tenderness and grace or babysitting special needs children with patience and kindness, Deborah's nurturing spirit touched the lives of many. Despite her habit of always running late, Deborah's boundless energy and zest for life endeared her to all who knew her. She was the glue that held her family together, a beacon of strength during both joyful and challenging times. Debrah was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Opal Lute; granddaughter, Lauren Brinkley; and brother, David Lute.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Jim McAbee; children, Jiam Brinkley, Gary McAbee and Charlene Deslatte, and Matt McAbee; grandchildren, Dalton and Dillon McAbee, Tyler Brinkley, Dustin McAbee, Matthew McAbee, Chance McAbee, and James McAbee; great grandchildren, Kyler, Kayden, Oakley and Ryker Brinkley; siblings, Denise Lage and husband Darrell, Rick Lute and wife Cindi, Terry Lute, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dillon, Dalton, Dustin, James McAbee II, Tyler Brinkley, Matthew and Chance McAbee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org/donate/.