Lomax, Deborah Olsen (64) of Powell died on January 4, 2012 when struck by a car while she was walking in her neighborhood with her husband of 29 years, John E. Lomax.

After graduating with a Master's Degree from the University of Tennessee, Debbie served as a professional educator. During her 37- year career, she was a history teacher at Knoxville Catholic High School, a librarian at Northwest Junior High School, and served as a librarian at Bearden High School for 27 years. One of her major accomplishments while at Bearden was converting the library catalog card system to a digital system.

Debbie was very active in her chosen profession. She served as an evaluator of library-media specialists in the Career Ladder program, and was a member of the American Association of University Women, the Association of School Librarians, and the Tennessee Library Association. In addition, she held every major office in the librarian division of the East Tennessee Education Association, and was a member of both Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma.

Along with her husband (AJ4L), Debbie (W4DOL) enjoyed ham radio. Additional activities included water sports, volleyball, woodworking, jewelry making, games or puzzles with family and friends, volunteerism, and, most especially, reading. She attended St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents, Arni and Dee Olsen. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her siblings: Julie Davis, Cheryl Short, Stephanie Hays, Greg Olsen, Mary Anne Bean and their spouses. She was dearly beloved by her many nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Monday, January 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a short service to follow. Father Bill Gahagan of St. Therese Catholic Church will officiate at a mass on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Holley Gamble. Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knoxville Area Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com