Deborah "Debbie" Murphy Campbell

With heavy hearts, we announce that Debbie Campbell accepted her final mission call to become a guardian angel. She passed away on May 18, 2026. She is now reunited with her parents, JL and Lola Murphy. 

Debbie leaves behind her devoted husband, Doug Campbell; her children, Jared Campbell (Amber), Heath Campbell (Kristi), and Whitney Simms (Jared); and her beloved grandchildren, Charlie, Hallie, Cade, Brooke, Cole, Avery, Claire, Jackson, and Cooper.  She is also survived by her sister, Lisa Osborne, along with her niece Beth and nephews Erik and Drew. 

Debbie was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, where she was surrounded by countless aunts, uncles, and cousins who filled her childhood with love and laughter. At age 11, her joy only grew when she welcomed a little sister of her very own, Jane Lisa. She became the first person in her family to graduate from college. Debbie attended Calhoun Junior College in Athens, Alabama, where she first met the love of her life, Doug Campbell. Determined to complete her education, she and Doug maintained a long-distance relationship while he attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville and she earned her bachelor’s degree from Florence State University, now known as the University of North Alabama.

Debbie and Doug married in June of 1971 and began building the family they treasured so deeply. In 1973, they welcomed their first son, Jared Douglas. Heath Walker soon followed, and finally their baby girl, Whitney Marie, completed the family. As the children grew and started school, Debbie began substitute teaching at local elementary schools. She somehow balanced church activities, little league, cross country, and family life while keeping what seemed to be the perfect home — a talent she jokingly failed to pass down to the rest of the family. 

Later, Debbie gladly retired from teaching when her favorite role became available: grandmother. Her first two grandchildren, Charlie and Hallie, arrived only a month apart. In what felt like the blink of an eye, Cade, Brooke, and Cole followed, filling the house with noise, movement, and joyful chaos. Old toys from her children’s childhood were lovingly brought back to life. Then came “Clavery” — Avery and Claire — followed by Jackson and Cooper, who each insisted on making their own special entrances two years apart. 

Most of the family eventually settled in Tega Cay, South Carolina, with the exception of Heath’s family. Still, Debbie and Doug gladly took Charlotte over Kentucky and Atlanta any day. Together, Debbie and Doug built a beautiful life centered around family, neighbors, church, and community. If there was a break between grandkids’ activities, they were looking for someone who needed a ride, a smile, or an extra pancake at the table. Food never went to waste in their home because Debbie was always ready to share a bowl of white bean chicken chili or a slice of pie with anyone who needed it.

 Debbie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. The sun will shine a little brighter now that she is in Heaven.