Deborah "Debbie" Gaye Duckworth

Deborah “Debbie” Gaye Duckworth, age 71, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, she spent most of her life as a proud resident of the Gulf Coast in D’Iberville, Mississippi. A graduate of D’Iberville High School, Debbie dedicated more than 40 years to Biloxi Regional Medical Center (Howard Memorial), where she deeply valued her work family and the lifelong relationships she built. Above all else she spent her life devoted to her family and those she loved.

Debbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Duckworth; her father, Herman McNair; her mother, Jewel Mae Seymour; her stepfather, Reginald Seymour; her brother, Steve (Carolyn) McNair; and her sister, Donna (Danny) Parker.

She is survived by her children: Tara (Bryan) Austin Cuevas, Shelly (Matt) Lawrence, and Chad (Corrie) Duckworth. She was a proud, devoted and loving grandmother to Devon Jorajuria, Cassidy (Lance) West, Matthew (Courtney) Lawrence, Bryson Duckworth, Jenna Lawrence, and Asher Lawrence, and a cherished great-grandmother to Jasper Jorajuria, Ensley West, Emersyn West, Lainey West, and Amelia Lawrence.

Debbie will be remembered for her deep love of family, her quiet strength, and the care she so freely gave to others. She selflessly loved her family above all else. Her greatest gift was her constant presence, the way she affectionately called us “pumpkin,” and the comfort of her lemon pound cake, among so many other special things that made her who she was. She can never be replaced and will remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at South Beach Biloxi Hotel & Suites (Meeting Room) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., 1735 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531.