Mrs. Deborah "Debbie" Atkinson Synan

Deborah Atkinson Synan of Royston, Georgia was welcomed into the arms of Christ on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Born on April 17, 1963 in Columbia, South Carolina, Debbie was the oldest child in her family of origin and cared deeply for her siblings. As a teen, she became a Christian and devoted her life to following the Lord. She proudly attended Holmes Bible College in Greenville, South Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Bert. They loved to reminisce that he first asked her “to dinner” was while she was on her way to bump into another young man. They became best friends, started dating, and the rest was history. Bert and Debbie married in August of 1985 and were quickly blessed with four children—all of whom Debbie was extraordinarily proud of, but everyone quickly realized the brightest stars in her universe were the grandchildren. The joy of her life was being “Nana.” When she’d see the grandkids, her eyes would fill with sparkles, tickles, and love. She always reminded them (while tugging on her ear in Carol Burnett fashion), “Nana loves you!” In her life she served many roles including home educator, florist, Emmanuel University recruiter, and personal banker, along with many unpaid volunteer positions in churches and ministries. Debbie will be remembered for her sense of humor (once karate chopping a sandwich in half to the surprise and delight of her kids), her love of Jamocha Almond Fudge ice cream, and deep empathy for others. She always believed and hoped the best for her friends and acquaintances. Debbie struggled most of her life with mental illness and, in her final year, severe chronic pain that limited her participation in many activities she loved, including spending time with her church family at Peniel PH Church, where Bert is pastor. Yet through her agony and numerous disappointing doctor visits, she found her hope in Christ to be her rock. She was known for her years-long ministry of texting scripture verses first thing each morning to dozens of friends and family, daily reminding them of God’s love and truth. The final verse she shared was Proverbs 14:18, “The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” Her earthly pain is over and her knowledge and full experience of her savior, Jesus Christ, is her prize. She will be greatly missed by many. She leaves behind her siblings, Dana, Chuck, and Renee; husband, the Rev. Bert Synan; children JJ Getz (Ben), Gabe Synan, Caleb Synan, Libby Hall (Ben), and beloved grandchildren Link and Dilly Getz, and Shepherd Hall. Services for Debbie will be held at 3:00 pm at the Franklin Springs PH Church in Franklin Springs, GA on Saturday, September 9, 2023, Visitation will precede the service at 2:00 pm at the church. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Deborah "Debbie" Atkinson Synan

April 17, 1963 - September 6, 2023