Deborah Thornton Stegall

Deborah Thornton Stegall passed away peacefully on Monday surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Deborah left this world much like she lived in it: surrounded by people who adored her and covered in grandchildren.

The daughter of Vicki and Ed Thornton, she was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Harpeth Hall School in 1972 and went on to earn her degree from Auburn University, where she established lifelong friendships and met the love of her life, David Lynn Stegall. David and Deborah married in 1977 and, aside from a short stint in Nashville and Atlanta, made their home in Birmingham. Together, they raised their four children in Homewood, AL. Deborah was able to live out her lifelong dream of staying home with her babies, building close family bonds, and instilling a love for the Lord in each of her children’s hearts.

She turned her faith and supermom instincts into a second career as a beloved special education teacher at Mountain Brook Junior High, where she changed countless lives—and learned never to leave glitter unattended in a classroom. The relationships she built there remain a strong and steady presence in the Stegall family.

Deborah was a woman of deep faith whose love for the Lord shaped the way she served others. There was no doubt that she made every effort to share the love of Jesus with everyone she encountered—simply by loving them. Church was always an important part of Deborah’s life, and she was an active member of various congregations throughout different seasons, including Covenant Presbyterian, Johnson Ferry Baptist, Dawson Memorial Baptist, First Presbyterian of Birmingham, and Haven Field Community Church.

Deborah was well known for her many talents, most notably her gift for making others feel loved and cared for. She was a fabulous cook whose Michelin-worthy meals brought both comfort and celebration to those she loved. From hosting birthday dinners for her children to delivering meals to those in need, her hospitality and delicious food were unmatched. It also brought her great joy to sew beautiful clothing for her many grandchildren—heirloom-quality pieces that will be cherished for generations. While awaiting the arrival of each grandbaby, Deborah lovingly knitted a baby blanket, each one now a treasured keepsake.

Deborah and David loved to travel—both as a couple and with the entire Stegall family—but her greatest joy came from the simple pleasure of being “Ooba” to her 13 adoring grandchildren. She was the heart of every family gathering and every vacation, from summers at Center Hill Lake to long weekends in Seagrove, FL, creating lifelong memories for the whole family. She loved to sing and dance, even if it wasn’t her greatest talent—and she was always willing to do anything that would bring her children and grandchildren joy.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Edgar (Joanne) Thornton, and her mother, Vicki Thornton. She is survived by her husband, David; her brother, Wade (Currey) Thornton; her children, Hillary Gamble, Hagen Stegall (Dan) Baker, George (Brittany) Stegall, and Grace (Jacob) Adams; and her beloved grandchildren, Pierce Gamble, Adelaide Gamble, Welden Gamble (and their father, Peter), Kenzie Baker, Sadie Baker, Jake Baker, Lennon Baker, Goocher Stegall, Louisa Stegall, Edgar Stegall, Jojo Adams, Ellison Adams, and Samuel Adams. She is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the service following at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood, Alabama| www.exceptionalfoundation.org

Deborah’s kindness, patience, and intentionality will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.