Deborah Mitchell

Deborah “Debbie” Foster Mitchell, 75, passed away peacefully Monday, June 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Sanford, NC, Debbie was the only daughter to the late Warren William and Ruth Briggs Foster.

Debbie graduated from Greenwood High School in 1967 and was married to CSM (Ret.) Larry S. Mitchell for 43 years, until his death in 2011. She was a proud Army spouse and a federal government retiree after 30 years of devoted civil service. Post retirement, she continued as a Red Cross Volunteer at McDonald Army Community Hospital, Ft. Eustis, VA, before returning home to North Carolina in 2016 to be closer to family.

You were never met without a smile from Debbie. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and raised her daughters with love, humility, and sacrifice, never placing her needs above others. As a grandmother “gramma,” her joy knew no bounds. Her grandchildren were her pride, and she cherished every moment spent with them. A quiet force of compassion and empathy, Debbie had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. She rarely sought attention for herself and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Debbie is survived by her daughters Sharon Crabbe and her husband Daniel of Raleigh, NC, Shawn Carrillo and her husband Jorge of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Julie Stickney of Fuquay Varina, NC. She leaves four grandchildren to honor her memory – Mitchell and Jorge Carrillo of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Vincent and Molly Stickney of St. Petersburg, FL.

We are forever grateful for Susan Bouchard’s presence in mom’s life and for her unwavering love and support for us all. To all her family and friends, you were all cherished.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home with visitation from 1:30 – 3 pm. Service will begin at 3 pm followed by a graveside service at Buffalo Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.