Debbie Marie Paxton

This beautiful story originated in Woodland, NC, where a young beautiful woman was born to Retha Redden & Henderson Redden, on December 12, 1959. From a very young age, the 6th child out of 10 children, young Debbie was taught the value of work from her parents. Debbie’s roots of hard work, values, and morals were instilled in her stem from early morning conversations, where Retha Redden would instill golden nuggets of wisdom.

Debbie’s desire and yearn for wisdom and learning grew from the influence of one of her favorite teachers in elementary school who told her one day, “Debbie, did you know that you can escape into another world, just by reading books?” Young Debbie’s little antennas perked up and she was immediately intrigued by this statement from her teacher. This became the defining moment in her life where she embarked on her journey for learning and reading. Young Debbie would often sneak off while at home or after completing her chores, to escape into her world of reading. As her love for reading grew and her knowledge deepened, this also deepened her love for Christ and a deeper understanding of the Bible.

A FOUNDATION OF FAMILY VALUES

Growing up as one of ten children taught Debbie the importance of family, sharing, and looking out for one

another. The lessons learned in the Redden household - hard work, integrity, and compassion - became the cornerstone of who she would become. Her mother Retha’s morning wisdom sessions planted seeds that would bloom throughout Debbie’s life, influencing not only her own path but the lives of everyone she touched.

EDUCATION AND THE JOURNEY TO LOVE

Her yearning for learning and reading transcended into her academic journey at Hampton University, where she completed 2 years. During her time at Hampton University, Debbie decided to embark on a journey to Houston, TX, where her life would be forever changed. It was during this time that she would meet and create a beautiful connection with the love of her life, Roy C. Paxton, Jr.

In a moment that would define her future, Debbie had a dream in the middle of the night where she felt God speaking to her, saying that this is the man you will marry. From there, Roy & Debbie Paxton created a beautiful union and love story that would become the foundation for their family’s legacy.

MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND THE GIFT OF TEACHING

Their beautiful union birthed three wonderful children: Tracey Renee Paxton, Stephen Roy Paxton, and Christopher Ryan Paxton. As a young couple, Roy and Debbie felt that God had placed it on their hearts to homeschool their three beautiful children. This is where Debbie’s passionate desire for learning and education transcended into teaching her children to read from a young age through Phonics, passing on the same love of learning that had been ignited in her own childhood.

A HEART FOR SERVICE AND FAITH

As a young mother, Debbie deepened her knowledge of God through various ministries. She taught Sunday school and served at Lakewood Church with her husband as Prayer Partners for several years under the leadership of Pastor John & Dodie Osteen. Her beautiful voice blessed many as she sang on the praise team with her brother-in-law, Daniel Paxton, and she served faithfully in the children’s church ministry at Glorious Way Church under Pastor John & Gladys Greiner.

In the latter seasons of their life, Debbie shared alongside her husband, Roy and became beloved members of Dwelling Place Church with Pastor Randy Needham. They were pillars of the church, dearly loved and honored by all. Her commitment to community service extended beyond the church walls, as Debbie deepened her knowledge by working the polls during election campaigns, contributing to the democratic process and civic engagement that she valued so deeply.

THE BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRY OF HER INTERESTS

Debbie’s love for learning, growing, and reading continued to expand into her many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed watching tennis legends Serena & Venus Williams compete, finding inspiration in their excellence and determination. Her love for God’s creation was evident in her devotion to the birds in her backyard bird garden, where she would spend peaceful mornings feeding them - a daily ritual that brought her joy and connection to nature.

Her curious mind led her to study diverse subjects, from writing poetry to learning about the culture of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. She delighted in discovering new words and expanding her vocabulary, always growing in knowledge and understanding.

COOKING FROM THE HEART

Debbie’s love for nurturing others found beautiful expression in her cooking. Her love for cooking transcended into her delicious and heartfelt recipes where she cooked from her heart. Every meal was

prepared with intention and love, creating not just nourishment for the body but warmth and comfort

for the soul. Her kitchen became a place where family gathered, hearts were filled, and memories were

made through the gift of her culinary talents.

CREATING MAGIC THROUGH STORIES

Perhaps most beautifully, Debbie’s love of reading came full circle as she shared the classics with her children. She would read to them the enchanting works of C.S. Lewis, including “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe,” and the imaginative tales of Roald Dahl - “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Big Friendly Giant,” and “Danny The Champion of The World.” These were some of the most beautiful moments, where Debbie would transport her children into other worlds through stories, creating beautiful imaginations just as her elementary teacher had once done for her during her young years.

HER LEGACY

Debbie Marie Bowser Paxton’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the wisdom she shared, and the

love she gave so generously. From those early morning conversations with her mother to the bedtime

stories she read to her children, from her heartfelt meals shared around the family table to her faithful

service in the community, Debbie understood that life’s greatest treasures are found in relationships, faith, learning, and staying true to one’s values. Like that elementary school teacher who opened her eyes to the magic of books and learning, Debbie had the gift of helping others see possibilities and potential in themselves. Her story, which began in Woodland, NC, touched countless lives through her roles as daughter, wife, mother, teacher, faithful servant of God, community volunteer, and loving cook who nourished both body and soul.

The circle of learning and love that began with a simple statement about books continued through her children, her students, and all who experienced her passion for growth, knowledge, faith, and heartfelt service. Her memory will forever be a blessing, and her influence will continue to ripple through

generations, inspiring others to discover their own worlds of wonder through learning, faith, love, and the simple act of cooking from the heart.