Debra Norman

Debra Dianne Giffin Norman, 71, of Hahira, Georgia passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the Langdale Hospice House. She was born on September 11, 1951 in Maryville, Tennessee to the late JP and Thelma Jean Giffin.

Although Debra filled countless jobs throughout her life, her greatest job was that of grandmother, and she loved her grandchildren with everything she had. She enjoyed cooking and always knew everyone’s favorite dish and was willing to cook it up at a moment's notice. Although frail, Debra was even willing to bake Heather’s favorite cat cake (a cake she baked for her throughout her life) for her 50th birthday last month.

While married to her husband Rhea, she traveled the world as a military spouse. She made a home for her family in places from North Dakota to Florida to California to Germany to Georgia. Most Saturdays, Debra could be found in the kitchen of her home cooking for the many GI’s who worked with Rhea in the Civil Engineering Squadron or cutting their hair, ensuring not a strand touched their ears or collar. She always wanted the servicemen and women to have a home while stationed away from their families.

Debra is survived by her daughter, Heather Morin of Lake Park; her brothers Jon Giffin and Joey Giffin of Sweetwater, TN; her eight grandchildren Preston Meadows of Adel, Trevor Terry of Lake Park, Blake Joiner of Hahira, Gabe Norman of Valdosta, Kylie Norman of Hahira, Bailey Joiner of Hahira, Macie Morin of Lake Park, and Jackson Morin of Lake Park; many nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Jane Broadway, Linda Holloway, Wanda Garner, Rebel Johnson, Sharon Norman, and Carol Vickers. She was preceded in death by her husband Rhea Norman, her daughters Katie Joiner and Melony Jordan, sister Margaret Ellen Millsaps, and her brother Jerry Giffin.

Her family is grateful to know that because of her faith in Jesus Christ, Debra entered the gates of heaven on two healed legs, breathing deeply, and standing tall. We know she was greeted there by so many of our loved ones who have gone before.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 28, 2023 at 3pm in the chapel of the Martin McLane Funeral Home in Hahira with the Rev. David Gordon and Mr. Cleo Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-3pm just prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanecares.com.

Martin McLane Funeral Home