Lora Marie Lebel

Lora Marie Lebel, 52, died peacefully on December 15, 2018 at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Atlanta, GA after a courageous battle from complications of an emergency surgery. She had a perforated and twisted stomach and large hiatal hernia that were repaired, but she did not have the ability to fight the extensive infection.

Born on February 1, 1966 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the family moved to Panama City, FL where she became a life-long resident. Lora was born with Down Syndrome and the youngest of four sisters. Her sister, Wanda, cared for her after her mother passed away in February 2015. During that same year, Lora showed courage when she survived Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Lora was the heart of the family and gave unconditional love to all.

Lora graduated from Margaret K. Lewis School in 1987 and continued to attend adult programs at St. Andrews Bay Center. Lora participated in the Special Olympics for shotput and long jump in the late 70’s and especially loved to bowl in her later life. Her hobbies were coloring, cross-stitching, doing yarn rug hooking and writing notes. She loved to watch the movies Ghost Busters, Home Alone and the cartoons of Scooby-Doo. She would anticipate and laugh before her favorite scenes since she knew the movies so well. Lora had a large collection of videos and CDs and was an avid Hallmark channel viewer. Lora’s favorite character was Mickey Mouse, and she loved Jonathan Hart from the TV show Hart to Hart. Her favorite times were when all her sisters were together in Panama City and when she went to Atlanta for vacations.

As a Margret K. Lewis School student, she had long-time friendships with principals Margaret K. Lewis and Judy Riera and her teacher Mary Bruce who she dearly loved and would often see during gatherings. Mrs. Margaret K. Lewis spoke about her “kids” meaning not her biological children but her students, and Lora felt very much a part of her life. Lora had special friendships with Ann and Ricky Fredrick. They always adored her and always celebrated her birthdays and holidays with special gifts. It made her so happy to see them on special occasions. Lora had a special place in her heart for many years with another dear friend Rodney. They enjoyed each other’s company during the holidays, birthdays, dances and other functions. Her most favorite time was celebrating birthdays. Once one birthday passed, she focused on the next, especially hers and always remembered whose was next. St. Andrew Bay Center coach and friend Debbie Baker provided respite for Lora. Two days a week they would go shopping, out to eat, and do fun things together. Lora's family’s friends had a special bond with Lora, too.

Lora is preceded in death by her mother Janis Ann (Nelson) Lebel Friend and stepmother Doris E. (Swanson) Lebel. Left to cherish her memory is her father Arthur Paul Lebel and stepfather Thomas H. Friend both of Panama City, FL; sisters Lynda Ann Lebel of Lilburn, GA, Debra Catherine Lebel of Woodstock, GA and Wanda Lee (Lebel) Jordan of Panama City, FL; nephew Casey Paul Jordan of Panama City, FL; stepsiblings, Thomas Lee Friend of Ohio, Ricky Dale Friend (Evelyn) of Tallahassee, FL; Tamela Kaye Pepper (Gary) of Hobart, IN, relatives, and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to the surgeon, ICU physicians, nurses, and staff at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta for your loving care you provided our dear Lora and support to her family during this difficult time. The family will receive friends at St. Dominic Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial, on December 22, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial. In lieu of flowers, your contributions may be made to St. Andrews Bay Center, 1804 Carolina Avenue, Lynn Haven, FL  32444. To our dear Lora, we will always love you and miss you dearly. Kent-Forest Lawn, 2403 Harrison Avenue, 850-763-4694 www.kentforestlawn.com

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