Debby Lennox and John Job. (Photos: Frances Thornton)
The Elvis community in Parkes lost two of its biggest supporters and hardest workers when Debby Lennox passed away on 29th July 2021 and John Job on 15th January, 2020.
Debby and her partner Steve (Elvis) have been an integral part of the festival from day one. Debby was the president of Elvis Revival Inc (ERI – Elvis Festival volunteer committee), at the time of her passing, a committee she served for more than 25 years.
“Debby loved the Parkes Elvis Festival and enjoyed it so much,” said Steve. They shared a passion and love for Elvis Presley, and one of Debby’s many jobs was to always be there for Steve and help him open his private Elvis collection during the festival.
“Deb was a tireless volunteer worker who devoted hour upon hour of her time across many, many years in her efforts in raising funds for the Parkes Elvis Festival,” said fellow committee member Lorraine Job.
Debby’s many virtues included being a talented seamstress, which she used to sew beautiful Elvis jumpsuits. She also sold thousands of raffle tickets to raise funds for the festival, had an amazing talent to remain positive and gifted so much time to others.
John worked continuously and tirelessly as a volunteer at Elvis Central, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Elvis Poets Breakfast and the Elvis Street Parade for over 16 years. He was his partner Lorraine’s steadfast supporter at all these events as she served on the ERI committee. He never hesitated to put in countless hours while still continuing his everyday jobs.
John was a hard-working, kind, caring and lovely man who never complained, always smiled and happy to help anyone wherever he possibly could.
John was always there to assist Lorraine, and as she was doing work for the festival this year, his absence was acutely poignant.