Debra Richardson Hill

Born on June 29, 1961, to the late Willie Richardson and the late Susie Anne Johnson Richardson, Debra was raised by her beloved aunt, the late Priscilla J. Prater. Debra attended the public schools of Peach County and was a graduate of the Peach County High School Class of 1981. She furthered her education and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration. From an early age, she carried herself with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a heart that naturally gravitated toward serving others. Debra believed that kindness cost nothing but could change everything. She loved walking, watching the Western channel with the love of her life, and spending time with her children, grandbabies, and extended family.

On June 11, 1988, Debra married the love of her life, Gerry Hill, beginning a beautiful journey that would span decades of unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Together, they built a marriage rooted in God, strengthened by friendship, and anchored in unconditional love. They were rarely seen apart, and those who knew them admired the bond they shared. Through every season of life, Gerry and Debra stood side by side, facing life's joys and challenges with grace, laughter, and steadfast commitment. Their love story remains a beautiful testimony that true love is not only found but faithfully nurtured every day. Together, they built a loving home centered on faith and family. Debra was a devoted wife and a loving mother to Ashley and Jared, offering unconditional love, unwavering support, wise counsel, and countless prayers. Her family was her greatest earthly blessing. One of the greatest joys of Debra's life was becoming "Grandma." Her precious granddaughters, MJ and "Baby Girl," held a special place in her heart. Nothing brought a brighter smile to her face than spending time with them. They were her pride, her joy, and one of God's sweetest gifts to her.

Debra was employed at the Fort Valley Police Department for a couple of years before joining Blue Bird Body Company, where she faithfully served for 38 years. Debra earned the respect and admiration of coworkers through her dedication and exceptional work ethic, and she truly loved her Blue Bird family. Yet, what set her apart was her willianess to help others. She became a bridge to opportunity for countless individuals, helping mand find emplo, ment and encouraging them to believe in themselves. She never sought recognition for her generosi-y; she simply believed that when God blessed her, she was called to be a blessing to someone else.

A devoted woman of faith, Debra was a dedicated member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served on the Usher Ministry and the Finance Ministry. She welcomed others with warmth, served with humility, and gave generously of her time and talents. Her service was never for recognition, it was an expression of her love for God and His people.

To know Debra was to experience genuine love. Her beautiful smile was one of her greatest trademarks. It could brighten the darkest day, calm an anxious heart, and make everyone she encountered feel welcomed. Her laughter was contagious, her encouragement sincere, and her compassion unwavering. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel like family, and her presence brought peace, comfort, and joy wherever she went. Debra truly embodied the essence of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was clothed with strength and dignity, led with wisdom, and served with humility She loved deeply, gave generously, prayed faithfully, and lived selflessly. She was an awesome woman of God, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, a caring sister, a cherished auntie, a treasured cousin, and a loyal friend.

Her life was not measured by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched. She shared a special bond with her siblings one filled with love, laughter, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories.

The love they shared throughout the years became a source of strength, comfort, and joy that will forever remain in their hearts.

Debra leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband, Gerry Hill; her beloved children, Ashley Hill and Jared Hill; her treasured granddaughters, Morgan-Jean Hill and Kendall Cornelius; her loving siblings, Teresa Richardson Robinson (Bruce), Michael (Rose) Richardson, Sharon Strickland, Shelia McGuire, and Glenn (Tracy) Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Wenda Hill, Teresa Jones, Tameka, and L'Wanna; her brother-in-law, James "Perk" Hill; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, her beloved Blue Bird & Friendship Missionary Baptist Church families, dear friends, and countless others whose lives were forever enriched by her love, kindness, and unwavering faith.