Cover photo for Deborah Sue Hannah's Obituary
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Deborah Sue Hannah

December 13, 1952 — January 15, 2025

Cookeville Chapel

Deborah Sue Hannah

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Deborah Sue (Ardary) Hannah, age 72, passed away in Cookeville on January 15, 2025. Born on December 13, 1952 in Oak Ridge Tennessee, Debbie was the eldest child of Zane and Sue Ardary. She was proceeded in death by her mother, father and two brothers: Jimmy and Micky Ardary.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Elwin Hannah, children Donovan Grimwood, Eric and Emory Hannah, sister Donna, brothers David and Bob Ardary and various nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Oak Ridge, Debbie had many unique opportunities brought about by being surrounded by the heart of a scientific community. She loved all aspects of science which influenced her choice of Physics for her first bachelor degree from Tennessee Tech University. After getting married, Debbie spent some time on the Gulf Coast. During this time she had her first child Donovan, after which she returned to Cookeville. Debbie worked hard as a single mother, earning her second bachelor degree in the field of Geology. While still in college Debbie began working in petroleum geology, meeting her soon-to-be second husband, Elwin Hannah. After getting married in 1981, they formed Hannah and Hannah Petroleum Geologists, a consulting business working predominately in petroleum exploration. Debbie loved geology and with Elwin they spent 45 years hunting minerals, mapping structures, panning gold, hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, or finding and exploring new caves and pits. Debbie loved exploring many trails or even places where there were no trails, from high mountains to deep underground. Her and Elwin always sought the hidden, the unknown, and enjoyed every moment of it.

Throughout her life Debbie was passionate about the outdoors. She was a Senior in Girl Scouting, even being selected to be part of Lady Baden Powell's honor guard when she was in Oak Ridge. Debbie became involved in the scouts program as a leader while working with Donovan's Bobcat den and the Jere Whitson School pack. She stepped away from leadership a little as Donovan moved into Scout Troop 108, but was always there pushing him and supporting the scouts. Debbie was also working on her third degree, a Masters of Education at Tennessee Tech University. During this time Eric and Emory were born and Debbie once again stepped into Scouting and has been deeply involved ever since. In the immediate family, both Donovan and Eric earned their Eagle, but they are just two of the numerous Scouts that she has helped lead along the trail of the Eagle. She has been recognized for her leadership with both the Long Rifle and Silver Beaver awards. Debbie was an adventurer, an explorer, a mentoring figure to all her Scouts, and a leader in all things. She exemplified the idea of the Scouts. She will be missed by all.

Graveside services and interment for will be at 1 p.m. Monday January 20 at Choate Cemetery in Cookeville. Visitation for friends and family will be Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home and again Monday from 11 a.m. until time of departure for the cemetery at 12:45 p.m.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.


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Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, January 19, 2025

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

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Visitation

Monday, January 20, 2025

11:00am - 12:45 pm (Central time)

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Graveside Service

Monday, January 20, 2025

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

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