Debbie Abshire

Debbie Abshire obituary, Rocky Mount, VA

Debbie Abshire

Debbie Abshire Obituary

Visit the Conner Bowman Funeral Home - Virginia Market Pl. website to view the full obituary.

Debra “Debbie” P. Abshire 

Debbie Paxton Abshire, 70, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 13, 2025. She was born on February 3, 1955, in Roanoke, Virginia, to the late Charles Paxton and Ila Burd Paxton. 

A devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, Debbie’s warmth and kindness touched all who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family, creating a home filled with faith, love, laughter, and treasured memories. 

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—spending time with loved ones, caring for her two beloved beagles, Buddy and Daisy, and nurturing her daughters’ love of horses. 

Debbie is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, J.D. Abshire; her daughters, Beth Anne Deems (Michael), Naomi Prillaman (Marty), and Jessica Gardner (Cabell); her grandchildren, Jesse Deems (Lizzie), Koen Arthur, Abbie Gardner, Aydin Gardner, Kevin Prillaman, Paxton Arthur, Mikey Deems, Anna Gardner, Helen Gardner, Finn Arthur, and Rian Prillaman; and her great-grandchild, JJ Deems. She is also survived by her sister, Anne Kerr; sister-in-law, Yvonne Hodges; and nieces, Jennifer Kerr Bevan (Charlie), Kristen Kerr, Whitney Artutis (Justin), and Celeste Hodges. 

Debbie leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She faced life’s blessings and challenges with unwavering faith and grace. 

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 

— 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) 

A visitation with family will be held from 1:00 to 1:45 PM on Tuesday, February 25, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Mark Long. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Conner Bowman Funeral Home - Virginia Market Pl.

62 Virginia Market Place Dr., Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Make a Donation
in Debbie Abshire's name

How to support Debbie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Debbie Abshire's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more