Deborah Stokes Barron

Deborah "Debbie" Stokes Barron , 74, of Tampa, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born in Clearwater Florida on November 28, 1951, to Joan Ashton Stokes and William Lamar Stokes.

She was a graduate of Largo High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Lee University in Tennessee, then she received her Masters Degree from National Louis University.

Debbie dedicated her professional life to education, working as a public school teacher in Georgia and Florida before finishing her career working for Hillsborough County Public Schools in the Magnet Program office. She retired from HCPS in 2016 and even in her retirement years spent time reviewing applications for Magnet schools. Debbie truly loved her career and was able to touch and impact countless lives. A talented singer and pianist, Debbie loved music (especially Christian music). She proudly supported her husband and son in their baseball pursuits (both playing and coaching). She loved visiting Universal theme parks with her family, watching Hallmark movies, and enjoying a great bread pudding. Nothing meant more to Debbie than the people in her life - her face lit up talking about her family and their adventures, and she’d tell you countless stories about the coworkers, students, and friends that she held so close to her heart. To know Debbie was to love her; and there’s a good chance she fiercely loved you right back.

She is survived by her loving husband (of 38 years), Gerald; her son, Alex, and daughter-in-law, Kristin; her sisters, Denise Stokes and Lori Dirkhising (Dan); her nephew Brent Watson (Allecia; sons Aaron and Carson); and her aunt, Shirley Yates. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, located at 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Family greeting will begin at 2pm, with the memorial service taking place at 3pm.