Deborah "Debbie" Ann Hurst

Debbie (Davis) Hurst left her earthly body on May 30, 2026, after a battle with lung and brain cancer, feeling uplifted by friends, family, and former students throughout her diagnosis and passing.

Debbie grew up in Finneytown, OH, wanting to be a teacher like her grandma and playing “teacher” in the garage. She enjoyed her early years in Girl Scouts, taught Sunday School while growing up, and switched her major at Purdue from interior design to teaching, a profession in which she remained licensed for 44 years. She was a fourth-grade and kindergarten teacher at Kramer Elementary in Oxford, OH, and later a substitute teacher in Troy City Schools (OH), Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation (IN), and Mattawan Consolidated School District (MI). She didn’t just show up each day, but truly cared about each student, following and supporting them long after her time with them in school.

Debbie was known for her love and support of others. Always carrying around her paper calendar, she was quick to document and celebrate the milestones of others, typically with a card or kind note. That kindness extended into the virtual world, as well, utilizing Facebook to connect with loved ones from past and present. The family has also felt grateful to share Debbie’s updates through the same community.

Debbie was active in the Cornell Heron Cam Chatters, building friendships and support across the world and growing her love of all feathered friends. Locally, she was involved in local library and township activities.

Debbie’s legacy lives on with her husband, Ron Hurst; daughters, Kelly and Rebecca; sons-in-laws, Dane Burchett and Mark Kleemann; beloved grandsons, Jack and Liam Burchett; sister, Terri niece and nephews, Tim, Rachel, and Joshua. She was preceded in death by her parents; Robert and June Davis, Aunt Ruth, and niece, Amanda.

She felt fortunate to connect with her birth family in 2010, discovering a half-brother, half-sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She felt grateful to be accepted and welcomed by her birth family, even with the limited time she had with some of them before their passing. She was lucky to gain that part of her family later in life.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. A memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. A reception will be held following the service at the funeral home. 

Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83590354032?pwd=mVhHw0kWHQFOukz9DAOe0Nz1LR01Q2.1 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to causes near to Debbie’s heart: Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, Van Buren County Library District - Debbie was an avid reader and supporter of the library, joining as Friends of the Library and enjoying library activities with dear friends. Donations can be mailed to: Friends of Antwerp Sunshine Library, c/o Antwerp Sunshine Library, 24823 Front Street, Mattawan, MI 49071, or Goldy’s Farm.