Deborah Ann Husband

Deborah Husband was born on April 29, 1953, in Lynn, Massachusetts. She was proud to say—and let everyone know—that she was from Boston. Her accent gave it away every time. Of Greek and Italian descent, Deborah followed the Catholic faith. She entered heaven on October 3, 2025, at the age of 72. Deborah will be reunited with her beloved husband of 39 years, Harry; her parents, Harry and Mary Maccaro; and her three sisters, Amelia Gamble, Carol Wilson-Broome, and Elizabeth Priscilla Gardner, all of whom preceded her in death.

This fierce northerner made the move south in the 1980s. With her husband Harry running an electrical company, Deborah decided she wanted to start her own business. Even though her sisters laughed when she said she was going to open a daycare, she did just that—and 39 years later, Rainbow Daycare and Learning Center continues to thrive. Deborah loved all the children who passed through her daycare and cared for them as if they were her own.

Besides the children, her other great love was her plants—oh boy, did she love her plants, almost as much as her own children. Bealtine Nursery, Home Depot, and Pine Hills loved to see her pull up. She won 'Garden of the Month' several times for her beautifully curated garden and could name any plant and explain exactly how to care for it. She truly had a golden green thumb. She loved to say, 'Jody, can you take me plant shopping—or just shopping in general?' Afterward, she’d always ask, 'What are we eating?' and made sure to turn it into a full day of fun. Deborah enjoyed reading her garden books, watching gardening shows, and never missed an episode of General Hospital—unless it was a rerun! Every morning, she loved watching her reels on Facebook, laughing and keeping up with friends and family.

Anyone who knew Deborah will tell you she had a heart of gold. She’d give you anything you needed, even if her famously serious 'Boston face' made you think otherwise—a running family joke. Her witty humor, loving jabs, and one-liners brought smiles to everyone. Her favorite greetings were always, 'Anything new?' or 'So what’s been going on?' because she truly cared about what was happening in everyone’s lives.

Deborah leaves behind her loving daughter, Jody Husband; her sons, Harry Husband (Rachel), Junior Husband (Kali), and Hayden Husband (Nichole); her cherished grandchildren, Lilly Husband and Rosie Husband; her nieces, Mary Godine (Reggie), Jennifer Therrien (David), and Sandra Wilson Eubanks (Jamie); and her nephews, Edward Clements and Steven Wilson. Although she is no longer here with us on Earth, we know she is still watching—loving us, laughing with us, and, of course, making fun of us all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach, MS, where friends may visit starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Long Beach Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Deborah Husband Please wear colorful clothing in celebration of Deborah’s vibrant life.

“She made the world brighter with her laughter, greener with her garden, and warmer with her love.”