Debbie Dempsey, a bright light in the community, passed away peacefully on Aug. 21, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She was born on July 10, 1954, in Monticello, Illinois, to Pauline Stubblefield and Thomas Bishop.

Debbie grew up in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and graduated from Boonshill High School. After high school, Debbie worked at Blue Ridge Shirt Manufacturing for 12 years before choosing her most cherished and fulfilling role — a stay-at-home mom to her two girls.

For 51 years, Debbie was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Paul Dempsey. She found joy in many hobbies, from reading and cooking for her family to spending time with her church community at Maranatha Baptist Church. But her most treasured title was Nana, a role she embraced wholeheartedly by spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren rotten.

Known for her kind spirit, infectious sense of humor, and warm smile, Debbie had a gift for conversation and made friends wherever she went. She was a Christian leader, a dedicated wife, and a fiercely loving mother.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline Stubblefield and Thomas Bishop; her step-father, Paul Stubblefield; and her siblings, Donna and Larry Bishop.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, and their daughters, Amy (Tim) Hammons and Tiffany Atchley (partner, Aaron Brodrick). She also leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Andrew (Donna) Cates, Preston Atchley, Kaitlyn C. Hammons, Timothy (Bailey) Hammons, Kaitlyn E. Hammons, Megan Hammons, Hunter Hammons, and Taylor Hammons; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Charlene (Bill) Cunningham; her brother, Dwight Bishop; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

While Debbie will be deeply missed by all who knew her, she will be missed most of all by her husband and her girls. We find comfort in knowing that heaven is now a much sweeter and brighter place with her there, and we look forward to the day we meet again.

A service to celebrate Debbie’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, at Maranatha Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Nichols and Bro. Ed Johnson officiating. Burial followed at Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maranatha Baptist Church Youth Fund, 187 Old Huntsville Road, Fayetteville, TN 37334, or the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, in memory of Debbie Dempsey.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Debbie Dempsey.