Obituary of Debra Evelyn Ritter

Debra Evelyn Ritter, 55, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away November 29, 2021, at her residence. Debra was born to Robert Gaston and Lila Marlene Robinson and later adopted by Dr. Ira Glenn and Dr. Nancy R. Bottoms of Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Debra has been a resident of Columbia, S.C., where she worked in hospitality and helped manage various restaurants and hotels for the last 30 years. Prior to her move to Columbia, Debra lived in Clearwater Beach, Florida, where she made her fondest memories of waitressing and bartending to the locals and tourists. Her favorite place in the world was Sanibel Island and she often spoke with her sister about both of them one day retiring there. 

Debra was a fine connoisseur of all things "jewelry." One may have found themselves purchasing a trinket or costume designed piece from her E-bay store, where she took great pride in restoring and preserving vintage collectibles. Debra was also very fond of Bruce Springstein ("The Boss"), and would see how many of his concerts she could attend in a year. She had a great sense of humor and loved to preserve the memory of things.

Debra is preceded in death by both her biological parents: Robert Gaston Robinson and Lila Marlene Merrick, her biological brother, Gerald Allen Robinson, her son, James Spencer Nolan Ritter, her adopted grandparents, Hilton V. and Evelyn T. Rogers, and Ira Glenn and Emily B. Bottoms.

She leaves behind her adopted parents: Dr. Ira G. and Dr. Nancy R. Bottoms of Boiling Springs, N.C.; her siblings, Christine Annette Robinson of Columbia, S.C. and Ira Glenn Bottoms III of Boiling Springs, N.C.; nieces and nephews, Heather Adilene Robinson of Waynesville, N.C.; Ebony Verdelle Apolonia Wilson of Columbia S.C., Joshua Shields of Sylva, N.C., James Nari Kalif Mayo of Columbia, S.C., Ira Glenn Bottoms IV and Carolyn Bottoms of Boiling Springs, N.C.

Debra was blessed with numerous biological and adopted aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including her best friend, Todd Glover, all of whom were greatly loved by her. 

At this time, a memorial service honoring her life will be announced by her family in the near future.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.southcarolinacremation.com