Esther Underwood Debsky

July 15, 1932 - June 15, 2020

In Loving Memory Esther May Underwood Debsky passed away on June 15, 2020 at the age of 87 years. She was born on July 15, 1932 to Charlotte (Rowe-Pentland) and Elmer Underwood in California, Pennsylvania. Esther was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Joseph Debsky, and her brother, Bob Underwood, and sister, Mary Jane Underwood Von Moss. She leaves behind her son, Barry Joseph Debsky, from Little River, SC, daughter Diane Debsky Skuza (Brian), from Flowery Branch, GA, and two grandchildren, Cameron Skuza, and Kerry Skuza. She graduated in 1954 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree for teaching, grades Pre-K to12, majoring in Piano and minoring in Organ. Esther taught as a vocal music teacher at Elderton Joint School District in 1954-56 for 9 years and 6 years at Oakmont-Riverview School district. She also worked as a substitute teacher and gave private piano and organ lessons throughout this time. Esther worked as an organist at many churches, including Elderton Presbyterian Church in Elderton, PA, Grace Presbyterian Church in Kittanning, PA, Oakmont Presbyterian Church in Oakmont, PA, Saint Stephens Episcopal church, North Myrtle Beach, SC (4 years), and Little River United Methodist Church, Little River SC (25 years). Esther founded and directed a women’s singing group, the “Barbershop Belles”, in Little River, SC, for 8 years. Esther and Joe partnered to own and lead the “Gentlemen of Swing” Dance Orchestra in the Myrtle Beach area for 10 years. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Little River United Methodist Church in Little River, SC. Mrs. Debsky's family wants to share the contact information for a local florist in the event friends want to send flowers: https://www.budsandbloomsflowers.com Her family also includes information for donations in lieu of flowers to the following organizations that were important to Mrs. Debsky: Little River United Methodist Church, SC. Esther was a member and organist for 30+ years. https://lrumc.net NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Esther was treasurer and advocate for many years. https://namicharlestonarea.org