Deborah Branch Alexander

She was born to the late James and Mattie Hutto Branch in Jesup, GA. She grew up in Jackson, SC, graduated from Jackson High School, and attended the University of South Carolina-Aiken.

Debbye was a beautiful soul with a tremendously welcoming nature. Her heart was filled with kindness, compassion and generosity. This was expressed by her constant concern for others. Affectionately known as Dobs, she valued and enjoyed good times with family and friends.

Debbye’s interests were plentiful and diverse. She enjoyed traveling the world, seeing different cultures and sites. She was a voracious reader, with a collection of books of all genres, and preferred to actually “hold a book and turn its pages.” As a music lover, she found great pleasure in playing the piano. Dobs had an extraordinary gift for interior design and loved to help friends and family decorate their homes. This extended into fashion. Friends and family would often receive random packages with items for their home or wardrobe that she found perfect for them. Her playful side was reflected by her varied collection of ceramic rabbits.

Over the years, her love of animals led her to rescue her fur family of dogs: Blue, Max, Penelope, Spencer, Asher, Tucker, Piper and Gypsy. They provided her with as much affection and devotion as she did to them, and it was often believed she generally preferred their company over ANYONE else.

Debbye was most notably talented in the area of gems and jewelry. Her vast knowledge and experience allowed her to establish a successful career and business, forming Elite International Jewelry.

She faced her greatest challenge when diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 31 years ago. Debbye’s tenacity and desire to maintain independence was unparalleled. Her strength of character, faith in God, determination, and support from family and friends allowed her to live on her terms for decades.

As this horrific illness progressed and claimed Debbye’s physical independence, her loving husband, Ben, cared for her needs and assisted in various activities for her solace. She became completely paralyzed, confined to a wheelchair, and eventually homebound. She was able to be “outside” on their porch, where she spent countless hours, looking at the lake and watching nature. Ben created a garden of flowers to attract butterflies and hummingbirds for her to be even closer to the outdoors. MS ravaged her body but her spirit remained intact as did her dry, witty sense of humor.

Special thanks to valued friends, Charlaine, Ava, Brianna and Larry; Caregivers, Joyce and Elena; Regency Hospice – Christian, Alex, and Mildred.

In addition to her parents, Debbye is preceded in death by her daughter, Nichole Greene and brother, Keith “Jim” Branch. Those left to cherish her memory; her husband of 45 years, Ben Alexander; sons, Sefk (Ayse) Alexander of Washington, DC and Drew Alexander of Cassville, MO; sister, Cindi Branch; grandchildren, Hunter Barker, Maddie Greene, Tess Alexander and Grant Alexander; great-granddaughter, Audrey Barker; niece, Ashton Branch; and many cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Elliott Sons Funeral Home 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, GA 30907, with Rev. Alexander Romanov and Rev. Dale Reeves officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The CSRA Humane Society, 425 Wood Street, Augusta, GA 30904.