Deborah M. W. Alexander; April 21, 2012

Deborah Marie McLaney Watts Alexander, of Huntsville, died Saturday, April 21.

She is survived by her three children: Regina Mae Watts of Huntsville, Charles Russell Alexander, Jr. of Auburn, and Robert James Alexander of Opelika; her parents, Reginald W. and Marie Shipley McLaney of Harvest; her sisters: Stacy Spadafora of Washington, DC, Regina and husband Jerry Dickerson of Valhermosa Springs, and Stephanie and husband Scott Marti of Humble, Texas; one niece and four nephews; and two grandnieces and three grandnephews.

Debbie was born in Las Cruces, N.M. on October 15, 1953, and attended Blossomwood Elementary School, Huntsville Junior High School, and graduated from Huntsville High, where she helped form the gymnastics team and was on the state championship Swim Team. She earned a B.A. in fashion design from Auburn University, and held a variety of jobs in California, South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas with her last being secretary to the head of Engineering Dept. at Auburn University.

Debbie was very creative and multi-talented, with many interests that included designing and making her own clothes, cooking and baking (the family cake maker), and gardening. She was known for her vibrancy and vivaciousness and will be sorely missed by those who knew her.