Deborah Morelan
- knoxspot
- Aug 1
- 2 min read

Celebration of Life for Deborah Morelan. Deborah Morelan, also known as "Deborah Nukie," was born and raised in Knoxville, TN on July 21, 1960, to her parents the late Joyce Cook Morelan and Johnny Will Morelan Sr. Deborah was a beloved soul who touched many lives. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, Aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. While living in Atlanta, GA, Deborah was diagnosed with Stage four Liver cancer three years ago, but she knew with her faith in God she could beat all the odds that was stacked up against her, and she did until God said, it's time for you to rest my daughter. On July 22, 2025, a day after her sixty-fifth birthday, she rested peacefully.
She was proceeded in death by her Mother Joyce Morelan, her Father Johnny Will Moreland Sr., her daughter Joyvonna Morelan Austin, her Grandmother Helen William Cook, her brother Robin Eugene Morelan, Her Uncle's Allen Ray Cook Sr., Thomas Cook, and Larry Cook.
She leaves to mourn and cherish her precious memories, her son ShaMarkus (Temeka) Morelan Mason, her sisters - Johndra (Jonathan) Moreland Williams, Timberly Moreland, and Amy (Earnest) Berry - all of Atlanta, GA; Her Brothers - Johnny W. (Felicia) Morelan Jr. - Nashville, TN, Rico Morelan - Virigina Beach, VA, and a devoted Uncle - Charles Cook; Grandkids - William Austin Jr., Khilijah Austin, Shamond Morelan, Bredaisha Walden, Elijah Davis, Shamarrian Freeman, ShaMarkus Morelan Jr.; Great Grandkids - Zaniah Austin, Joy'Vonna Austin, Shiloh Austin, Nova Austin, Zimere Austin, Maeson Jayden Rodgers; Nieces - Jowana (Vanthony) Fleming, Adrienna Morelan, Johnisha Morelan, Shanea Morelan, LaToya (Jerry) Pittman, Akivia Morelan, Rio D. Morelan, Rian (Yvonne) Paniagua; Nephews - Johnny W. Morelan III, Jericho D. Morelan. Devoted Friends - Pamela Swaggerty, Johnnie Mae Swaggerty, Denise Turner, and Bishop Richard C. and Apostle Laverne Shaw.
Also, a special thank you to J Horton and her family, the Doctors, nurses, and staff at Rockdale Piedmont Hospital in Georgia for the care, love, and support that was provided to Deborah during her illness.
Deborah also has many family members and friends that deeply loved and will sadly miss her.
The celebration of Deborah Morelan's life is Saturday, August 2, 2025. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4p, and the funeral to follow at 4:00p at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary on 2823 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914.
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