Debra "Debby" Zabka

URBANA, ILLINOIS-  Debra “Debby” Zabka, 70, of Charleston, Illinois graduated to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Services will be held at a later date. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Zoetime Ministries, Inc, a Bible-Based Christian Ministry sharing the Good News of God’s Love in creative new ways.  Debra Zabka’s three grandchildren operate a commercial free Christian Radio station for Zoetime Ministries, Inc. called “zoetunes.”  Visit zoetime.org to make donations and to listen.
 
Debra was born January 2, 1952, in Oak Forest, Illinois the daughter of Fred and Alice M. (Colby) Voytovich. She married Robert Zabka on September 8, 1973, in Charleston, Illinois.  She is survived by her husband Rob, her son Brent and his wife Luz, and her grandchildren Justin, Alicia, William, Nicole, Marc, and Leanie. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Debra Zabka loved Jesus, her Savior, Lord, and Best Friend. She was a member of Life Point Church in Mattoon, Illinois. For decades, she owned and operated a Christian Bookstore serving Eastern Illinois University, the city of Charleston and surrounding communities. Debra received her Doctor of Ministry and Master of Theology from Christian Life School of Theology, and a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising from SIU. She served as president of Crisis Pregnancy Center in Charleston, Illinois.
 
Her dream was to have an international family and she did. She and her husband adopted Michael and Steve Chen from Taiwan, and many others like John Kim called her mom. She loved her Filipino family, “Lola Vi,” Boyet and Nelie Orcilla and the Seattle Orcillas. Love and good food were always available at “Mamu” Debby’s. Debra traveled the world and loved animals. Last year, Debra fulfilled a lifelong dream to swim with manatees in Florida. Debra was also an amazing gardener, with a green thumb. She loved strawberries and went to heaven under a full, strawberry moon. Debra’s family will miss her very much and are thankful for the legacy of love she has given.

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