Debra Phipps Burgess, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully on Sept. 16, 2023, at the age of 67. She is survived by her mother, Ann Cline Conner of Morgantown; devoted husband, Bruce; her son, Blake, his wife Siera, and their children, Brooks, and Myla, of Birmingham, Ala.; her daughter Megan, of Morgantown; her stepdaughters, Stephanie, and her husband Robby of Mobile, Ala., and Beverly of Bell Buckle, Tenn. She is also survived by her and Bruce’s lifelong friends, Martha and Freddie Harless.
Debra’s journey began on Nov. 14, 1955, in Gilbert. She was a proud graduate of Gilbert High School in 1974 and went on to earn her degree from Marshall University in 1978. During her college years, she found a lifelong sisterhood as a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Debra’s passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as an English teacher at Gilbert High School, where she touched the lives of countless students with her dedication and enthusiasm for learning.
Beyond her profession, Debra was a woman of many talents. She was known for her culinary skills, her knack for hosting unforgettable gatherings, her love for gardening (especially tending to her beloved roses), and her melodious tunes on the piano.
She was an active member of the Honeysuckle Garden Club, where she shared her gardening expertise, and a valued member of the Lucy’s Lit Book Club in Charleston, where her love for literature flourished. Debra was deeply committed to her faith and served as an Elder, music director, and pianist at Gilbert Presbyterian Church.
Debra’s warm and welcoming spirit was a hallmark of her personality. She loved people unconditionally and had a gift for making everyone feel at home in her presence. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Debra is preceded in death by her father, Lowell Phipps; her stepfather, Robert B. Conner; and her grandparents, Lonnie and Iva Cline, and Orville and Gracie Phipps.
In honoring Debra’s memory, let us remember her as a shining example of love, grace, and hospitality. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Debra will be on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Gilbert Presbyterian Church. A time of visitation with her family will be at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. In keeping with Debra’s love and desire to help all people, rather than flowers, donations may be made to Gilbert Presbyterian Church, PO Box 496 Gilbert, WV 25621.
May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to bring warmth and joy to our hearts.
