Deborah English

Deborah (Debbie) Lynn Penfield English, age 70, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on December 20, 1954, in Albemarle, NC, Debbie graduated from Albemarle Senior High School in 1973.

Debbie dedicated over fifteen years to Collins & Aikman and later worked for NC Farm Bureau Insurance for twenty years, retiring in 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Colleen Penfield; her sister, Vickie Barfield; her granddaughter, Elexie; her great-grandson, Waylon; and many cherished dogs. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie English, and her daughters: Suzanne Long, Adrienne Stinnard (Chase), Kirsten Clark (Tim), Jamie English, and Courtney Smith (Karl). She also leaves behind her adored grandbabies: Wade, Greyson, Cameron, Jensyn, Chance, Caroline, Shannon, Cody, Tyler, Garrett, Ashlynn, Colby, Caleb, Kash, and Kage; great-grandchildren: Reed, Wyatt, Blade, Leeroy, Garrison, and Tatum; her niece and nephew, Season and Jake; and her beloved dogs, Stella, Benny, and Archie.

In earlier years, Debbie found immense joy at the softball field, cheering on her daughter Adrienne. As a grandmother, known lovingly as “Gammy,” her life revolved around her grandchildren, who became the light of her life. Her family is committed to ensuring these babies always remember her and the immense love she had for them.

Debbie will be remembered as one of the kindest souls, with a heart full of compassion. Her love for dogs, and all animals, was unmatched. She often dreamed of saving every homeless animal she encountered and grieved deeply for those she couldn’t help.

Her family and friends are heartbroken by her passing but find comfort in knowing she is now in Heaven, reunited with Jesus, her parents, her sister, and her beloved dogs who greeted her at Rainbow Bridge.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to Paws of Piedmont Animal Rescue.