Deborah Light McKenney

DEBORAH LIGHT MCKENNEY

Cedar Rapids

5/26/1954 – 6/29/2014

Deborah Light McKenney, formerly of Marietta, Ga., and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 29, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer.

Debbie was born in Steubenville, Ohio, to parents Forrest J. Light and Rose M. Light. She attended schools in Steubenville, Ohio, and Jasper, Ala., and graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, Ala. She received her B.S. degree in math and industrial engineering at Auburn University and received advance credits in computer science at Villanova University.

Debbie had an incredible work career, first teaching mathematics to students under grade level and later working at General Electric/Lockheed Martin as a software engineer/developer, chief engineer, senior systems manager and progressing to senior manager of engineering and technology at Rockwell Collins. She was a highly respected team leader of various satellite, radar and national defense projects, possessing in several positions top secret clearances.

She leaves behind her husband, Neal S. McKenney; her most beloved children, Meaghan Gannon, Abbey McKenney, Stephen McKenney and Jimmy McKenney; her brother, James M. Light and his wife, Linda, of Austin, Texas; and several nephews and nieces. Her sudden departure has deeply affected all who knew her.

Funeral services will be conducted at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 6, in the chapel of Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 2000 Cobb Pkwy. SE, Marietta, GA 30060. Interment will follow in Georgia Memorial Park. Deborah's family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be done with the American Cancer Society. This would be greatly appreciated.

War Eagle, Deb