Deborah Diane Jarrell

Debbie Jarrell passed away on the morning of August 28th, 2026, at the age of 72 following a yearlong battle with uterine cancer. She was surrounded by her family and friends in the comfort of her own home when she went home to be with the Lord.

Debbie was born on April 19th, 1954, in Brownwood, Texas to Loraine and Ferris Mitchell. She grew up in Brownwood, Texas alongside three siblings, Steve “Tex” Mitchell, Susan Stewart, and David Mitchell. She would later move to Picayune, Mississippi where she would graduate high school and meet her husband, John Jarrell, in her early twenties on the boulevard.

Debbie married John Jarrell on April 20th, 1973, at New Palestine Baptist Church in Picayune Mississippi. They built a life centered around family, love, and faith. They shared 54 years together and raised three beautiful children, Michael Jarrell, Kenneth Jarrell, and Kristie Jarrell.

Throughout her life Debbie worked for the school district at different elementaries as a cafeteria manager where she served students and was a friendly face to all. She loved building relationships and serving those around her; the kids always knew they could count on Mrs. Debbie to have a fun snack or dessert at lunchtime. But she was so much more than the things she accomplished. What mattered most were the people she loved and the relationships she built along the way.

She loved baking, especially homemade Christmas cookies, Elvis, windchimes, rocking in a rocker, Winnie the Pooh, and the color purple. To know Debbie was to know that anything she owned would be purple, regardless the shade. You would also know she only loved to drive big vans which made for the perfect family road trip. Any time spent around her never failed to have moments of laughter, pure joy, and sweet memories.

Family was especially important to Debbie. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. She especially enjoyed Christmas time when family gathered from Texas and Mississippi to celebrate the holidays. She loved making memories with her family and capturing them on a camcorder which the family is so grateful for. She was a loving and selfless mother who dedicated her life to her three kids. She loved taking her grandkids on fun adventures, whether to Disney, Six Flags, the zoo, the beach or simply playing in her yard, there was never a dull moment with grandma.

Faith was also an important part of Debbie’s life. She raised her kids going to church and made sure her grandkids did the same. She believed deeply in God, serving others, and never giving up hope even when times get tough. That faith carried her throughout life and now brings comfort to those who loved Debbie so deeply.

Debbie is survived by John Jarrell; Loraine Mitchell, Susan Stewart, David Mitchell, Michael Jarrell, Kenneth Jarrell, Kristie Jarrell, Haley Jarrell, Heather Jarrell, Joseph Jarrell, Izabella Baez, Olivia Jarrell; and many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply.

Debbie is welcomed into Heaven by Ferris Mitchell and Steve “Tex” Mitchell.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on September 5th at 11am at Fairmont Park Church.

There is truly no way to sum up her life in just a few paragraphs. Debbie’s story does not end here, she will be remembered for her humor, stubbornness, generosity, kindness, strength, and devotion to her family. While Debbie will be deeply missed, there is comfort in the memories left behind, the lives she touched, and in the hope that this is not goodbye, simply see you later. She did not lose her battle against cancer, rather she won by entering the gates of Heaven where there is no more pain. Until we see her again, we will carry on her memory with us and thank God for the gift of her life.

“So do not feat, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” – Isaiah 41:10