Debbie Lee Sharp Beardsley Heazlitt

Debbie Sharp Beardsley Heazlitt, passed on to be with Jesus on September 11th, 2025. She served her chosen communities (Floyd and Harrison) and led a public life of service for many decades. Upon retirement, she enjoyed a return to her more introverted nature and her preferred place to be was at home, relaxing and watching football with her beloved dog, Spot.

Debbie was born to Wayne and Bette Sharp on September 29th, 1947 and was raised in New Albany, Indiana. She was the valedictorian and a proud member of the New Albany High School “Class of ‘65,” where she also sang in a barbershop quartet. She attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana (Class of 1969), graduating with a degree in psychology. While at Hanover, she was a proud Kappa Alpha Theta, as well as the bassist in an all girls rock band called The Opposite Sex. She met her first husband, Stephen Beardsley, at Hanover and they shared many adventures together between raising four children and devoting their considerable talents and passions to historic preservation, animal rescue, and local politics. Debbie enjoyed a second marriage to Rand Heazlitt, who played a vital role in helping to raise her children. She also spent many wonderful years partnered with Fred Cammack in the latter years of his life.

Debbie worked for many years at Rauch Industries before pursuing careers in education, politics, and mental health industries. In 1995, Debbie received her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University Southeast and worked at Brandon’s House in New Albany, counseling youths in need. Her many accomplishments and contributions to her communities of Floyd and Harrison County include serving as the first woman elected to the New Albany City Council (3 terms) and subsequently being the first woman to run for Mayor of New Albany (1996), Co-Founding the Floyd County Animal Rescue League (now the New Albany Animal Shelter), Co-Founding the Main Street Preservation Association, serving as Executive Director for the New Albany Housing Authority, Co-Founding and serving as the first Director of the Harrison County Alternative Education Center, and serving as Director of the Gerdon Youth Center in Corydon.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Wayne and Elizabeth Sharp and her dear brother, Steve Sharp.

Debbie is survived by her beloved dog Spot, her four children - Elisabeth (Brent) Greenwood, Elisha (Alonna) Beardsley, Hannegan (Jason) Roseberry, and Scarlett (Jimmy) Mikesell-Pierce - plus a teeming host of grandchildren who loved her dearly as “Grandma D” - Beardsley, Buerk, Brooks, Cooper, Gleason, Maverick, Noah, Monroe, Willow, and Lochland.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 16th, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. with funeral services following on Wednesday, September 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at Kraft Funeral Services, located at 708 E. Spring St.. in New Albany.

Debbie will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her. Join us in celebrating her exceptional life. She believed that Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:24). The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and family consider a donation to the Floyd County Animal Rescue League, benefiting the New Albany Animal Shelter. https://floydcountyanimals.org/index.php/support-us/online-donations

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5