Deborah Ann Barnes

Deborah Ann Barnes passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at the age of 66. A lifelong Floridian, she was born in Tampa and later retired in New Port Richey. Debbie was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mother, and Nana. She is survived by her daughters, Kristina and Lauren; her six grandchildren; her mother, Deloris Barnes; and her three siblings.

Debbie was a dedicated employee of Busch Gardens, where she worked in finance for over 30 years. Later in life, she returned to college alongside her eldest daughter—a story she never tired of sharing, especially with her professors—and proudly graduated from Hillsborough Community College in 2014. She retired in 2020 and moved to New Port Richey, where she lived until her sudden passing.

Debbie had an unmatched passion for life and a deep love of travel. She felt most at peace by the beach and adored lighthouses, filling her home with their charm and creating a space that felt like a personal escape to Margaritaville. She often joked, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere,” and never turned down a margarita or an opportunity to share a meal with family and friends. She loved music and dancing and could often be found encouraging others to join in a spontaneous dance party. Her interests were as diverse as her taste in music, and she took playful pride in the fact that her love of Korean dramas permanently reshaped both of her daughters’ Netflix algorithms. A natural life of the party, her joyful, unmistakable laugh filled every room and lifted the spirits of all who heard it.

Debbie’s pride in her two daughters was evident to everyone who knew her, and that love grew even deeper when she became a Nana. Her grandchildren—Mason, Maddox, Zoey, Micah, Miles, and Brody—quickly learned that Nana was a silly, patient, and devoted presence in their lives. She cherished time with them, whether at the park, in the pool, or gathered around a board game. Nearly every night, she called to remind them how much she loved them.

The world feels a little dimmer in her absence. To her family, she was a lighthouse—a steady, guiding light even on the darkest days. May she rest in peace, and may all who loved her find comfort in the memories she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610, US, on May 3, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on May 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.