Debbie Heaton Crowell

Debbie Heaton Crowell passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 18, surrounded by her husband, daughter, and three grandchildren. She’d just celebrated her 68th birthday after suffering from a long illness. She is forever young and finally free from pain.

Debbie was born on June 1, 1956, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where her father was stationed as an Army Paratrooper. She grew up in North Charleston, SC, and except for a brave cross-country move to Portland, Oregon in the early 2000s, the Lowcountry was always the place she called home. She loved the beach, dancing the Carolina Shag, cooking delicious Southern meals for her family on holidays, and sitting on her front porch at sunset. She called the porch her sanctuary, the place where she admired the flowers, prayed, and listened to her favorite radio station, Chuck FM.

Growing up, Debbie was a cheerleader and straight-A student, known for her infectious smile, bright green eyes, and natural beauty. After graduating from Garrett High School in 1974, she started her career as a young, single mom, answering phones at a local law firm. She quickly worked her way up, eventually becoming a paralegal for several prestigious law firms in Charleston. She passed along that same determination and grit to her daughter, making sure she knew that she could do anything she set her mind to. On her Facebook page, Debbie described herself as a “Wife, Mom, and Mimi who is hopelessly devoted to her family.” Despite her illness, she was determined to see her oldest grandchild graduate from high school.

She spent her final days at home, the only place she wanted to be, with her equally hopelessly devoted husband of 32 years, Patrick Crowell. Pat was constantly by her side, caretaking and making sure Debbie knew how much she was loved. Debbie also leaves behind her daughter, Angie Mizzell Moffatt, son-in-law Shawn; three fantastic grandchildren: Dillon, Blake, and Cate; her brother Robert Heaton and his wife Kris; brother-in-law Darren Crowell; and loving nieces and nephews: Zachary, A.C., and Macie Heaton and Ashley Dangerfield. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Bobby A. Heaton, and nephew, Bobby Heaton II.

Aside from family, the list of Debbie’s life-long friends is long. Those who knew her best describe her as a splash of sunshine, known for her authentic acceptance, her big hugs, and her heartfelt conversations.

Please join us to honor Debbie’s life and memory on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 10:30 AM and followed by a memorial service in the chapel at 11:00AM. Carolina Memorial is located at 7113 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29406.