Deborah "Debbie" Cotton Murphy

Deborah Cotton Murphy, affectionately known as “Debbie,” was born on September 11, 1951, in Greenville, Alabama, and passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024. She spent her life between Greenville and Vestavia Hills, Alabama, where she made countless memories and friendships.

Debbie dedicated her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse, graduating from Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing and earning her master’s degree from St. Francis University. Her proudest career moment was becoming Chief Nursing Officer at Lloyd Noland Hospital, a testament to her skill, compassion, and leadership. As a trailblazing working mother, she balanced her career and family life with remarkable grace and strength, long before it was common to do so.

Debbie is reunited in heaven with her beloved parents, William Drew Cotton and Carrie Elizabeth Cotton. She leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years, James Robert Murphy, who stood by her side through every chapter of their shared journey. Debbie’s legacy lives on in her son, Jason Robert Murphy, his wife Jessica, her honorary sister, Martha Mart, and her cherished grandchildren—Corrian Murphy and fiancé Christopher Todd, William Murphy, and Cotton Murphy—each of whom she adored deeply. Debbie also leaves behind countless friends and extended family members who were touched by her kindness and warmth.

Debbie’s many talents and passions were a reflection of her creative spirit. She found joy in capturing moments through photography, creating beautiful things with her sewing and embroidery, and nurturing life in her garden. Known for her impeccable sense of style, she always took care to look her best, with her hair and nails always done to perfection. But it was in her kitchen where her love truly shined. Debbie had a special gift for cooking, creating meals that became family traditions, and her recipes will continue to be a cherished part of her legacy.

Her family meant the world to her. She spoke often of the loving, vibrant home she grew up in and carried those values into the life she built with her own family. She and James shared a love for travel, and their adventures with friends brought them joy and laughter. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Every moment with them was precious, and she made sure they knew how deeply they were loved.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all her caregivers, especially Dominique King. Dominique became much more than a caregiver; she was a true member of the family, and she loved Debbie as if she were her own grandmother.

A celebration of Debbie's life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. A committal service will occur Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/