Deborah Ann Sechrist

Sechrist, Deborah Ann (Morgan), 75, Hill Valley, passed away Monday August 19, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Born July 8, 1949, Hill Valley, daughter of the late Bill L. and Lawanda (Wilson) Morgan. Survived by her husband, Barry R. Sechrist, whom she married on October 3, 1970. Also survived by her children, Barry R. Sechrist Jr. and wife Lisa, St. Francisville Louisiana; and Sarah B. Helton and husband Matthew, Hill Valley; 5 grandchildren, Andrew and Davis Mowery; Tyler Helton; Thaddeus Sechrist; and Tori Blood and husband, Colin; 2 great grandchildren, Talon and Apollo; and a brother, Bill W. Morgan and wife Betsy. Deborah was a 1967 graduate of Mount Union Area High School. She then attended Washington County Hospital School of Nursing where she received her RN degree in 1970. Deborah then obtained her nurse practitioner degree from the University of Virginia in 1977. Her career included J.C. Blair Emergency Room from 1970 to 1972, Southern Huntingdon County Medical Center from 1972 until 1988, Federal Employee of National Health Services Corp. from 1976 to 1981, 1988 to 1990 Women’s Health, 1990 to 2004 J.C. Blair Hospital Endoscopy Unit, 2005 to 2014 PA Department of Health Bedford County State Health Nurse. She received an award from the Federal National Nurse Health Service Corp for continuity of care at Southern Huntingdon County Medical Center. Deborah was very proud of her career and was the first Certified Nurse Practitioner in Huntingdon County and one of the first licensed in Pennsylvania—working with medical students and facilities to introduce them to the role of CRNP. Deborah attended the Pentecostal Freedom Church. She liked sewing, gardening, reading, and all types of music. Special interests included betterment of the community, educating folks about health issues and prevention of illness, prevention of animal abuse and membership with the ASPCA and Huntingdon County Humane Society. Family and friends will be received on Friday August 23, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, Pastors Crist Mentzer and Richard Hamman, co-officiants. Interment to follow at Haven Rest Memorial Park, Shirleysburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™.” Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.