Deborah A. Southworth

Deborah A. Southworth, age 72, longtime resident of Novi, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2023.  She was born on June 1, 1951 in Wyandotte; daughter of Robert Hugh and DeVonne “Bonnie” (Branstetter) Moore.  Deborah graduated from Airport High School in Carleton; class of 1969.  She continued her education at Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Deborah was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Thomas Southworth on June 22, 1974; they spent 49 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Early in her marriage, she was employed as an editor and writer for several companies including, Tecumseh Herald, Zonta International in Chicago, and Detroit Wastewater Treatment.  After starting her family, she dedicated herself to caring for her family and raising her 2 boys.  She was a very supportive mom volunteering with Novi Schools activities and events, including PTO and Athletic Boosters.  Deborah also managed the documentation and licenses for her son's Jaguar Soccer teams.

Deborah was a very active member of First United Methodist Church of Northville for 30 years.  She led several events and ministries through the church and Cass Community Social Services.  Much of her volunteer work involved the Church and Society Ministry, Homeless Hospitality Week, food drives, and silent auctions.

Deborah loved taking their dogs out for a walk.  She enjoyed hosting the holidays and spending time with family at her home.  During the summer she liked to garden and planted many beautiful flowers around her home, making sure the entryway was always welcoming.  While living in England for 4 years as part of Tom’s foreign service assignment with Ford Motor Company, Deborah took advantage of the proximity to many exotic locations and planned vacations for her family all over the world including, Egypt, Austria, Germany, Paris, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, and Italy.  Stateside they traveled to New York for the theater, Florida to visit her parents and Disney, California, and throughout the western United States.  She also enjoyed vacations spent at her cottage on Lake Bellaire taking boat rides, going swimming and tubing, relaxing around the campfire, and trips to Ruthies for ice cream.  Deborah was a staunch supporter of Michigan State University; she attended many football and basketball games and had season tickets to the theater at Wharton Center for Performing Arts.  Her biggest smiles and happiest moments were when she was with her granddaughters.  Deborah was loved and cherished by all for her love, compassion, generosity, and kindness; she will be missed by all who loved her.

Deborah is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Southworth; her sons, Kevin (Angie) Southworth and Adam (Kelly) Southworth; her granddaughters, Kathryn and Samantha; her siblings, Kathryn Ferstle and Bruce Moore; her sisters-in-law, Judy (Alex) Allie, Cheryl Southworth, and Tina (Peter) Youngblood; and her nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  The Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 777 Eight Mile Road, Northville.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to FUMC, attn: Church and Society Ministries , 777 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167.