Deborah "Debbie" Gayle Lockheart

Deborah “Debbie” Gayle Lockheart, 75, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, August 22, 2025, surrounded by her family.  

She was born on September 18, 1949, in Tennessee, and throughout her life she was known for her warm spirit, her devotion to her loved ones, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Debbie touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and grace. She built a long career in banking and later retired from Sun Trust Bank, where she was respected for her dedication and professionalism.  

She was preceded in death by her son Neil Blanken, granddaughter Margay Schee, mother Doris Gibb Charron, step-father Marius G. Charron, father William Pyle, and her sisters Catherine Pyle Sanders and Nina Velandra.  

She is survived by her daughter Elissa Blanken Schee of St. Augustine; grandchildren Milo Schee of St. Augustine, Madden Blanken of St. Augustine, Blake Blanken of Ocala, Sadie Blanken of Ocala, and Abigail Schee Ferguson of Citra; and great-grandchildren Daisy Ferguson and Cash Ferguson. Debbie’s grandchildren lovingly called her “Sticker,” a nickname that began as a joke between them but grew into a treasured bond.   She is also survived by her siblings William Pyle of Ocala, Mark Velandra of Ocala, Paul Velandra of Ocala, Craig Velandra of Ocala, and Marcia Davidson Greenley (Ron) of Rockwall, Texas; her aunt Aimee Pyle Oakes of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Debbie’s legacy of love and resilience will live on through each of them.  

A funeral service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 27th, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life.  

The family wishes to thank the caregivers, nurses, and medical staff at HCA Ocala for their compassionate care during Debbie’s final days.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pediatric Burn Unit at Shands Hospital, PO Box 100243, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0243.  

Debbie will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew her.