Deborah Shumate

Deborah “Debi” Joan Shumate, 61, of Bluefield, WV, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016 after her courageous battle with cancer.  Born on August 16, 1955 in Bluefield, she was a daughter of the late Estel and Margaret Smith Shumate. Debi graduated from Northfork High School in 1973. She continued her education at Concord College, earning her Bachelor’s degree. Debi was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She devoted her life to the Lord, her mother and her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Shumate Lares; sister in law, Connie Kaye Shumate; and a brother in law, David Smith.  Survivors include her siblings, Richard D. Shumate, Barbara A. Polatz, Patricia G. Smith, Michael E. and Madonna Shumate; nephews, Brian, Chris, Eric, and Estel; nieces, Wendy, Katie, Jennifer, Rebecca, Debi, and Margaret; a host of great nephews and nieces (22) and 4 great-great nephews and was known as Aunt Dee, but treated them as her own. Her kind heart and giving nature will be greatly missed by all. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield with Father Sebastian Devasi officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where Brian Shumate, Estel Shumate, Chris Smith, Bookie Wilson, TJ Jennings, Jesse Jennings and Cliff Shumate will serve as pallbearers. Anthony Shumate and Eric Polatz will serve as honorary pallbearers. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com