Deborah Sheffield McPhail

Deborah (Debbie) Marie Sheffield McPhail, age 72, of Humble, TX, was born June 21, 1951, in Houston, TX. She went to be with our Lord on July 5, 2023, after fighting Pulmonary Fibrosis and Alzheimer’s for years.

She is preceded in death by her father, George Willie Sheffield, mother, Frances Oleta Sheffield, and sister, Patricia Ann Sheffield. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James Michael McPhail. Her loving children, Julia Kay McPhail, Maggie Lee McPhail Murphey, Patrick Michael McPhail and daughter-in-law Lisa Marie McPhail. Loving grandsons, William Joseph Mize and wife Brittany, Wesley Cole Mize and wife Elizabeth, Brayden Michael McPhail, Lincoln Eli Murphey, and Kasen Matthew McPhail as well as her newest love and great grandson, Callen Michael Mize. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Kay Frances Sheffield Marlowe and husband Philip, and Teresa Sheffield Davis as well as many other loving family and friends.

In 1951, Debbie came into this world as a fighter 3 months early at just 2 pounds and 13 ounces. God in His infinite grace gave her life with doctors using new experimental technology for premature newborns. She went through the rest of her life always as a fighter for what she believed in and instilling those values in her children.

To say that Debbie was a loving mother and grandmother is completely insufficient. Her children and grandchildren and family were her life and breath and her greatest joy. She was the most generous and gave of her time and talents and possessions to all. Her husband Mike always says, “Debbie has a heart the size of Texas”, and that was true to the end of her life.

Debbie loved all things Texas, to dance, and listen to George Strait, Elvis Presley, and Patsy Cline, as well as host family gatherings, especially Christmas where everyone could be together. She was the happiest with her home filled with family and friends.

Because Debbie so greatly loved the Lord, she dedicated herself to teaching toddlers and children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School about Jesus. She loved being able to care for the little ones and it brought her great joy.

Debbie will be missed beyond measure and our comfort is that she is with our Lord and at her eternal home with her family and friends in heaven.

A visitation for Deborah will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral services will occur Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. A burial committal will occur Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:20 PM at Brookside Memorial Park.