To view the funeral service on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:00amEST, please use the following link:

http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/92484

Debbie Jean Thomas Fitzgerald PhD, RN, CNE

Dr. Debbie Fitzgerald was born in Danville VA on September 4th, 1963, at Danville Memorial Hospital to the late Clarence Price Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Thomas. Debbie was predeceased by her Sister Kedra Thomas and her brother Gregory Thomas.

During her formative years, Debbie was educated in Danville Virginia public school system where she graduated from George Washington High School in 1981. While in high school, Debbie discovered an interest in nursing and completed a nursing assistant program at George Washington High School Vocational Center. Upon graduating high school, Debbie enrolled at Hampton University in Hampton VA as a nursing major and graduated in 1986 with her BSN which was such a proud and glorious moment for her and for her family. After graduating from Hampton University, Debbie began her career as a Registered Nurse at Norfolk General Hospital, Maryview Hospital, and Portsmouth General Hospital. She would later get the bug to become an educator and began her teaching career at Norfolk Vocational and Technical Center as a Nursing Instructor. During her tenure at "Votech", she received many accolades for her accomplishments and contributions to the Nursing Program.

Debbie received her Master's in Nursing from Hampton University in 1997, after which she transitioned to a career in publishing with McGraw-Hill in Chicago as the Senior Sponsor Editor for Nursing and Allied Health. During this period, Debbie received her Doctorate from Regent University, a PhD in Organizational Leadership in 2009. In 2010 Debbie returned to the classroom as a Professor of Nursing at Joliet Junior College until the time of her passing.

Debbie is survived by her son Konrad Phyllip Fitzgerald Sr. of Chandler, Arizona, daughters Koretta Ashlee Fitzgerald of Illinois, Kourtnee Elizabeth-Agnes Fitzgerald of Illinois, former Spouse and lifelong friend Darrell Fitzgerald of Illinois. Three grandchildren: Keidra, Konrad Jr. and Kennedy Fitzgerald. Four sisters: Gwendolyn Pierre, Anita Stephens, Flora Thomas, Pam Yancey and one brother John Thomas all of Danville, VA as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.