Debbie Barfield Chapman (Courtesy)

Debbie Barfield Chapman, 57, of Royston, woke up in the arms of Jesus during the wee hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Debbie’s final days were spent at home surrounded by the love of her family and close friends. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend.

Deborah Jean Barfield was born in Atlanta on August 10, 1968, the eldest daughter of Charles Hubert Barfield and Mary Alice Mulkey Barfield. The family lived in various places across the United States and Canada, and settled in Elberton in 1978.

Debbie was a 1986 honor graduate of Elbert County High School where she was on the newspaper staff and a member of the Beta club. She was also a member of the jazz band and served as drum major for the marching band. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia in 1991. Always one to better herself both professionally and personally, Debbie earned her master’s degree from Piedmont College in 2001 and her specialist’s degree in 2010, also from Piedmont. She was also certified to teach ESOL.

No stranger to hard work, Debbie began working at Ingles in Elberton while in high school, and continued through college. She was proud to have worked at three different Ingles stores in Hartwell, all under the leadership of Tony Lark. Debbie began her career in education at Hart County High School in 1991. She enjoyed teaching English-Language Arts, freshman orientation class, and a Basic Skills Test class. Debbie also taught at the Hart County Alternative School and taught homebound students. While at HCHS, she was a cheerleading coach, and was instrumental in the success of the school’s Relay For Life and March of Dimes. Debbie is remembered for her willingness to always help students, even after they graduated and attended college. Her famous fanny pack and class “store” are things almost every student who walked the halls of HCHS will remember. Teaching was her passion and purpose, and she loved doing so for 34 years.

Her greatest love was her family. She thoroughly enjoyed planning annual summer family vacations, and never missed an opportunity to be at any family events. Debbie enjoyed gardening and cooking the fruits of her labor. She was the official turkey cooker for every family Thanksgiving meal. Debbie always took the opportunity to help those in need. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and did her best to let him be seen through her at all times. Debbie was a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jeffrey Walker Chapman; children: Ashley Nicole Chapman of Athens and Austin Daniel Chapman of Royston; father, Chuck Barfield of Dewy Rose; and sister, Becky Barfield of Dewy Rose. She has been reunited with her mother, Mary, in Heaven.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday evening, September 5, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home, 1265 Washington Highway, Elberton.

The celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday morning, September 6, at 11:00a.m. in the Sanctuary of Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 East Howell Street, Hartwell. Officiating will be Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Mr. Tanner Moore, and music will be provided by Mrs. Tami Finch. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. The service will be live streamed on the Hartwell First Methodist Church Facebook page.

Committal services will be held privately on Sunday afternoon, September 7, in the Antioch Baptist Church cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Andrew Sullivan.

Debbie requested those attending wear purple in support of Relay For Life and March of Dimes, or any color representing educational institution you support.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, Post Office Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635, March of Dimes, PO Box 5142, Boone, IA 50950, or Relay For Life, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Debbie Barfield Chapman.

Courtesy of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors and Crematory, 333 E. Johnson Street in Hartwell.