Barbara Anne Jeffries Debnam, affectionately known as "Grammy", was a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and cherished friend. On January 18, 2025, she ascended from her earthly body to her heavenly home, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Barbara was born to the late Evelyn Hairston Jeffries and Otto Jeffries in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on February 25, 1946. Barbara graduated from Atkins High School and embarked on a career with Piedmont Airlines, later retiring from U.S. Airways (now American Airlines) after decades of dedicated service. She took great pride in her work, serving the "friendly skies" with grace. Most importantly, she was a faithful servant of God, whose compassion and dedication to her family were the foundation of a life well-lived.

Barbara had a passion for traveling the world, whether by flight or cruise ship and she delighted in sharing these adventures with loved ones. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, watching sports, and challenging her family and friends to games. Those who knew her will remember her competitive yet loving spirit and her ability to make everyone feel special. Her enjoyment of great music was inspired by her father, an original member of the Five Royales, a beloved rhythm and blues group.

Her profound love for her family was evident in everything she did. She especially adored her grandchildren, traveling with them, cheering them on at their sporting events, playing games, and showering them with love. Most recently, her heart belonged to her great-granddaughter, Alaiya, who brought her immeasurable joy.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Edward B. Debnam; her beloved son, Staphon B. Debnam; precious granddaughter, Destiny D. Debnam; and her brothers, Otto "Harvey" Jeffries, William "Tyrone" Jeffries, and Curly Bernard Jeffries.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories a devoted son, Derick A. Debnam (Sharon); daughter-in-law, Sherri Debnam; Godson, Darron Daniels; grandchildren, Derick "D.J." Debnam, Jr., Jamari Debnam, Justin Debnam (Uriah Cummings), and Nadiya Debnam (Anthony Berry Jr.); great-granddaughter, Alaiya S. Berry; special cousin, Carol Jean McDowell; sister-in-law, Wanda Jeffries; nieces, Atisha J. Baldwin, Micha Jeffries, and Allana J. Taylor; Goddaughter Jamesca Holman; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory and miss her deeply.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, January 31, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Union Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:30pm on Saturday at the Church.