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Debra Renae Craft Burch “Debbie”, 67, of Mize, Mississippi passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, MS
Debbie was born to Billy Ray and Mamie Craft on August 20, 1959, at Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forrest, Mississippi. She spent her young life in Raleigh, MS, surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles. She graduated from Raleigh High School in 1977 and then pursued a degree in Office Administration from Jones County Junior College. After college she began her career at Smith County General Hospital as an Office Manager. This is where she met her husband of 29 years. They were married on June 30, 1985. Debbie was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring Nana who cherished her family above all else. Alongside her husband, she shared a beautiful life with their only daughter. After becoming a wife, Debbie made the selfless decision to leave her career and dedicate herself to being a wife and mother, which was her greatest joy in life.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and deeply cherished her church family. Her faith guided the way she lived, loved, and cared for those around her. She found great joy in serving and worshipping with her church family
After the passing of her beloved husband, she began a new chapter in her life when she went to work at the Smith County Chancery Clerk’s Office. She quickly grew to love her work, her co-workers, and the people she had the opportunity to serve. She remained
employed at the Smith County Chancery Clerk’s Office until the time of her passing.
As the years passed, her grandchildren became the most important part of her life and brought her a special kind of joy. She treasured every moment with them and took great pride in watching them grow. She never missed an event or game they were involved in!
Her greatest legacy was the love she poured into her family, her unwavering faith, and the example she set for those who knew her. Her love, kindness, sacrifice, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her daughter, grandchildren, family, friends, church family, and all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany Renae Burch of Petal; Grandchildren, Carter and Charlotte Hickman of Petal; Mother, Mamie Ruth Craft of Mize; Mother-in-law, Melba Jean Burch of Mize; Brothers and sisters in law Danny Burch (Teresa), Jeffrey Burch (Beth) of Mize; Nieces, Lindsay Burch Hutson (Hunt), Hannah Burch Grissom (Mason); Nephews, Josh Burch (Erica), Davin Burch (Carsyn); Great Nieces, Eden Hutson, Ember Hutson, Elaysa Hutson, Abbi Burch, Mary Helen Burch; Great Nephews, Elisha Hutson, Judah Burch, Gray Grissom, Noah Burch, Gent Grissom, Baker Burch, Levi Burch, and Boone Burch.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dwayne Burch, Father, Billy Ray Craft and Father-in-Law, James Delton Burch.
Visitation will be at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee, MS on October 6th from 5-8pm
Funeral services will be October 7th at 2pm at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Mize, MS with a graveside service to follow. Brother Reece Douglas Jr and Brother Steve Smith will officiate
Pallbearers will be Carter Hickman, Josh Burch. Davin Burch, Hunt Hutson, Mason Grissom, Stacy Craft, Timmy Craft, and Anthony Swain
Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny and Jeffrey Burch
In lieu of flowers Debbie requested that donations be made to her church, Zion Hill Baptist C/O Danny Burch 895 SCR 18 Mize, MS 39116.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Leconte Medical Center, Forrest General Hospital, and Asbury Hospice House for lovingly taking care of her in her final months.
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