Obituary of Deborah Styles

Deborah Weeks Styles, 69, passed away at her Summerville home on May 14, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. Deborah was born in Charleston, SC, to parents Thomas James Weeks and Inez Dudley Weeks. Mrs. Styles was a graduate of Ware Shoals High School, Furman University with a degree in Voice Performance, and a Master’s degree in Voice Performance at Columbia College. She completed Doctoral studies at L.S.U in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Deborah was the winner of several vocal competitions throughout the southeast. She had been a featured artist for the Birmingham (AL) Civic Opera Company and was also a member of the L.S.U Opera Co. while pursuing her D.M.A degree. Deborah sang many leading roles in community theatre in the Columbia and Lexington, SC area.  

Upon moving to Charleston, she became an Adjunct Professor of Voice Performance at the College of Charleston, Director of the University Chorus, and assistant to the director of Choral Studies for a number of years.  She sang in several Piccolo Spoleto productions and was personally chosen by Gian Carlo Menotti to sing the lead female role in a production of Menotti’s opera “The Boy Who Grew Too Fast”.

Perhaps her greatest joy in music came from her last 15 years when she served as music director of Summerville Presbyterian Church where her love of music and God came together to minister to others through the Jewel Tones ensemble, handbell choir, and sanctuary choir. She also directed a music and drama summer camp for children at the church.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents, and brother Glenn Weeks of Columbia.

She is survived by, husband, Jerry Styles, of Summerville, SC; son, Jonathan Styles of Clemson, SC; son, Jason Styles (Ashley) of West Columbia, SC; daughter, Jodie Styles Hingle (Nicky) of Leesville, SC; grandchildren, Noah, Jackson, Isabell and Lillian; step-grandchildren Stephen and Alexa Bishop; brothers Thomas James Weeks Jr. (Kathy) of Irmo, SC and Timothy Weeks (Anne) of Fort Mill, SC; sister Sheryl Markners (Edward) of Rock Hill, SC.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 12:00pm at the Summerville Presbyterian Church, 407 S. Laurel St, Summerville, SC 29483. A time of family visitation and fellowship will be held in Lanneau Hall following the service

At Deborah’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the New Hymnal Fund c/o Summerville Presbyterian Church.