A Tribute to Deborah Lotz

Deborah Jeanne Mountcastle Lotz born on October 24, 1948 in Roanoke, Virginia heard the heavenly trumpets sound Monday morning May 5, 2025 in Memphis, TN. Debbie was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2016. She ran a long race against the illness with fortitude and persistence. One built by her professional training in physical therapy and love for running.  Debbie is preceded in death by her mother and father, Maurice (Livy) and Florine Mountcastle and her husband Dean Lotz. She is survived by her companion, Charlie Black Jr., ; three beloved grandchildren, Bella Anne, Dean, and Aven; her son and daughter-in-law Beau Ryan and Ashley Lotz; a sister Sonia Barnes, and 3 stepfamilies: Jenny &Tim Upchurch (Austin, Annie, Harrison, Olive, and Jonah); Anissa & Steve Woods (Megan, Jack, and Ally), Angie & Greg Marik (Ashtyn, Maddie, and Camryn Mines & Andrew Marik). Important milestones in Debbie's academics and childhood include running in the Blue Ridge Mountain range along the James River and being a diligent student graduating as the salutatorian of her high school class. After graduating in 1967 from James River High School, she attended Roanoke College in Salem, VA as a pre-requisite for acceptance into the physical therapy program at The Medical College of Virginia, which later changed to the Commonwealth University. As an adjunct to her schooling, Debbie traveled to New York City to be an intern in physical therapy. On completion of her internship, she continued her healthcare education on assignment at John Gaston Hospital (now known as The Med), in Memphis, TN. While living in a singles community apartment complex on this assignment, she met her future husband Dean Lotz. Debbie and Dean, over the course of 30 years, served as athletic stewards for Memphis State University. The couple was known for their ingenuity in designing and customizing athletic training and programs that included unique conditioning methods. They designed a a quick feet program that helps train the neuromuscular system and speed chutes for improving running efficiency. Debbie's love for running transcended generations through coaching track for Beau and his classmates. She spoke often of the soccer tournaments and importance of parental support in cultivating good health. Debbie and Dean were avid enthusiasts in many sports, water volleyball, water polo, track, football, basketball, soccer, and cross country running.

Sharing and imparting a love of athleticism is a principle held with high regard. Debbie's smile could shine no brighter than when sharing stories of athletic accomplishment of her son and grandchildren.

Professionally, Debbie defined new norms as a physical therapist in the care and rehabilitation of developmentally delayed students by creating the early intervention programs in the Shelby County and Crittenden County School systems. She cared for many people in her 40 years as a physical therapist by serving communities of juvenile, geriatrics, and acute care throughout the southwestern United States. Debbie was licensed and accredited in 4 states as a physical therapist.

Personally, Debbie loved the beach and frequented Destin, Florida to enjoy the sun, sand, and friendships. Her passion for life was contagious as she lived each day to the fullest.

She will be missed by her family and loved ones. We will always pay tribute to Debbie in remembrance of Cinco De Mayo, the day of her passing, and her gift for fighting through insurmountable feats of physical illness & circumstance. In lieu of flowers, and at Debbie's request, your donation to West Cancer Clinic https://westcancerfoundation.org/support/ as a tribute to Debbie, is greatly appreciated. The family also requests Debbie's life be celebrated and not mourned. Video Tribute

I've walked a thousand miles

until my toes can stretch no more

I've dug into my deepest vault

to wash sins unto the shore

I now know a secret

Set beyond what I can store

Heaven Bound

Surrounds,

when my body is no more.