Deborah Jean Peebles

Deborah Jean Peebles died on October 13, 2024, from complications of pancreatic cancer.  She was 67 years old.

Debbie grew up in Bogota, New Jersey, but spent most of her life in southern Florida and Keller, Texas. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in recreation management and worked briefly in healthcare. But Debbie’s true passion was children:  both her own four children and her students.  She worked as an educator for more than three decades in Florida and Texas, most recently as a special education coordinator at Uplift North Hills Preparatory in Irving, Texas.  She raised four successful children and was so proud of them.

Debbie loved to read novels and watch disaster movies.  She spent time outdoors whenever she could and enjoyed hiking and traveling.  She was always the loudest parent cheering at hockey and baseball games.  She was such an amazing cook that her husband never wanted to eat anything except her meals.  After retirement, Debbie moved to Burnsville, North Carolina, to live in the mountains, which was her lifelong dream.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Douglas Peebles.  She is also survived by her children, Katie Fearn, Matthew Peebles, Mark Peebles, and Gregory Peebles; two grandchildren, Adam and Claire Fearn; and dogs Buddy and Pete.  She is predeceased by her parents, John and Frances Maraio.

Debbie never wanted to be the center of attention and preferred to focus on other people. Her family held a private funeral and burial, to honor her wishes. In lieu of flowers, anyone who would like to donate in Debbie’s memory may consider an organization that shares her commitment to children with special needs, such as the Special Olympics (www.specialolympics.org).

Debbie cared deeply about the world and people around her.  She taught her children to do the same, and they will instill her values in their children. We struggle with this loss that came too soon, but we take comfort in knowing that the good that Debbie did will live on forever.