Deborah Sellers Ryan, passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2025, after a long courageous fight against cancer. She was born in 1956 on Long Island, NY, to Raymond and Jane Norwig, and after high school she moved with her family to Virginia Beach, VA.

She is survived by her husband Thomas Ryan, her beloved daughters Whitney Sellers (Nik) of Denver, CO and Marchelle Sellers (Nick) of Durham, NC, her sisters Sue Boland (Kevin), and Bonnie Thomas.  Tom's son Patrick (Angela) and the grandkids Jackson and Emily, who called her Grammy-D.  She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Debbie loved skiing, painting, gardening and sewing but her proudest achievement was raising her two daughters to be beautiful, strong and independent women.

For Tom, her smile, lit up a room when she walked in.  It drew strangers to her and made them open up to her.  It made Tom feel better in bad times, and made him fall in love with her.

In the end her smile withdrew slowly, along with the inner strength behind it that helped her conquer many obstacles during her life.  Tom will always remember her smile long after she is gone and it will bring peace and love.

The Family would like to thank Riverside Regional Hospital and Hospice for their care, love and compassion. No memorial service has been announced at this time.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.