Deborah Mixon Upchurch, age 75, of Suwanee, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 23, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. She was born on October 24, 1947 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Horace Preston Mixon, Sr and Syble Bacon Mixon. She is also preceded in death by her brother Horace Mixon, Jr. She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Charles Upchurch, daughter, Robin Burkhalter (Rick Burkhalter) son, Robert Upchurch (Sheli Upchurch), granddaughters Anna West (Bradley West), Sarah Kate Gautier (Sam Gautier), Ally Wilkins (Jackson Wilkens), Ella Upchurch, grandson Cole Upchurch, great-grandson Richie West, sisters Sue Brown, Vicki Cone (Howell Cone), sister-in-law Jeanne Mixon, eight nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. Debbie graduated from Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia and received her associates degree from Columbus College, her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and her Masters degree in early childhood education from Mercer University. She taught kindergarten for more than 30 years earning "Teacher of the Year" in Dekalb County. She was an officer of Alpha Delta Kappa teaching sorority. She was a member at The Vine Community Church in Cumming, Georgia, where she served on the hospitality team and also volunteered for countless organizations throughout Atlanta. She loved the children in her classroom, the beach and Auburn football. She loved, served and celebrated her family with excellence.

A celebration of life service will be held at The Vine Community Church, 4655 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040, on October 26. Visitation at 2 pm, with service to follow at 3:30 pm

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Debbie's favorite ministries, Vijiji Home of Light orphanage in Kenya, Africa. Checks can be made out to Vijiji Projects USA and mailed to The Vine at the address above. In addition, the family asks all to consider donating blood platelets at Atlanta Blood Services 404-459-8744.