Deborah Ann Cox, nee Reimert, 58, of New Hanover, died Oct. 15, 2014 in Fenton, Mo.

She was born Nov. 1, 1955 in Allentown, Penn.

A victim of cancer, Deb leaves a massive hole in the hearts of so many people. She was courageous, honest, loyal, dependable, caring, selfless and a fine lover of laughter. She adored dogs, and also travel. Paris and Santa Fe were her favorite destinations. Deb’s absolute pride and joy was the entertaining and gifts’ shop: ‘Magnolia,’ which she opened in June 2012 on Main Street in Columbia.

Deb lived in a country home near New Hanover with her husband Jeremy, and her ‘shop dog’ Iris (Iris was rescued by Deb through ‘Helping Strays’ last year.) Deb was also passionate about the resident deer that grazed her backyard, as well as the horses that lived at the farm behind, who occasionally would break through their fence to come visit. Deb was also an intensely private person who always tried to do right by others. She always said that she believed that “life is about people, not things.” Deb touched the lives of so many through her kindness, compassion, and zeal for life. Deb was uniquely Deb.

Magnolia, the shop, will remain open.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. October 26 at ZOAR United Church of Christ, near New Hanover.

Light refreshments will follow at the Fellowship Hall behind ZOAR Church.

It was in Deb’s wishes to be cremated.

Memorials may be made to Helping Strays either in person at the memorial service, or at their website: http://helpingstrays.org/give/memorials-and-tributes.