Dr. Debra Prue Rawl Gerry passed away on Dec. 29, 2021, after a seven-year battle with breast cancer. She was born on Oct. 9, 1951, in Folkston to C.O. and Evelyn Rawl, was raised in Kingsland and graduated from Camden County High School.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Southern, a Master's of Education from Armstrong State, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia.
During her career, she worked with many children in the school systems of Ft. Lauderdale and Jacksonville in Florida and in Savannah, serving as an education and learning disabilities research educator, and a special education teacher.
She has been recognized as the very first in her area to address the AIDS epidemic by visiting various faith-based churches and talking to the congregations. She has spoken on behalf of the American Bar Association. and the American Medical Association in an effort to prepare them for future clients diagnosed with AIDS.
She was in private practice as a psychotherapist in Scottsdale, Arizona, for almost 20 years and was an appointee for the Foster Care Review Board with the Arizona Supreme Court in Phoenix.
She participated in hospital education and fundraising and was a member of the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, National Organization for Women and a member of Mensa International.
She travelled to 98 countries and recorded a lullaby album for children and adults. She lived a very active life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, C.O and Evelyn Rawl, brother Rolf Rawl, sister Jolane Guske and special aunt Beryl Kaminer.
Survivors include a daughter, Gisele (Michael) Dominguez, grandson Gabriel Dominguez, two sisters Cathy (Ken) Edwards and Diane Brandon and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Hardage Giddens funeral home in Jacksonville, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.