Deborah Ann Portell, 70, of Crystal City died Feb. 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Portell worked as a nurse’s aide and unit clerk secretary for 35 years at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed playing cards with her closest friends, fishing, relaxing at the lake, going to yard sales, spending time with family and friends and caring for those close to her. Throughout her life, she was a caregiver for patients, her children and her husband. She also provided in-home end-of-life care for two of her brothers and her mother. Born April 14, 1954, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Mary “Freda” Elizabeth (Bayer) and Frank Keith Davis.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Phillip Portell.
She is survived by a son: Brian (Christoph) Dewald of St. Louis; a daughter: Tonya Ferguson of Crystal City; four grandchildren: Nicholas Maxwell, Frank Maxwell, Kate Maxwell and Antonio Carson; eight great-grandchildren: Bryson Merrick, Scarlett Maxwell, Eros Maxwell, Mazikeen Maxwell, Ira Maxwell, Rowan Gore, Annalyse Maxwell and Elaina Maxwell; two brothers: Gary (Connie) Davis of Festus and Robert M. Davis of Festus; and her chosen sister and lifelong best friend: Wanda Kent of Pevely.
She also was preceded in death by three brothers: Dan K. Davis, Paul R. Davis and Timothy (Judy survives) Davis.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 4 p.m. until memorial services at 6 p.m. Monday, March 10, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Matt Culbertson. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.