Debra "Deb" Mccarthy

Debra (Deb) McCarthy, 62, of Middleburg, FL died peacefully at Baptist South Hospital in Jacksonville Florida on Tuesday May 23, 2017 after a 17 month battle with cancer.

Deb was born to Leola Rickenburg and Roland Holcomb on March 27, 1955 in Chester, IL and spent her early years in nearby Steeleville, IL. She married James (Jim) McCarthy and lived in Percy, IL where they later welcomed daughter Wendy McCarthy (Philyaw). She then lived in St. Genevieve, MO, Green River, WY, Perryville, MO Knoxville, TN and settled in Doctor’s Inlet (Middleburg), FL.

Deb & Jim celebrated 45 years of marriage last year, during which she spent 27 years as a media specialist for the Clay County School system. It was a fitting occupation for Deb, because she was an avid writer and loved books. Although she was not a published author, Deb was the kind of storyteller who drew her listeners in and left them wanting to hear more. She was a very talented artist with a creative eye that found beauty in everyday things. Her paintings, drawings and photographs forced the viewer into deep reflection, and were admired by many. She also enjoyed crochet and needlework, as well as cooking, gardening and working outdoors. But Deb’s most noteworthy passion was her love of learning and sharing what she learned with others. As a Bible student, she diligently and prayerfully studied the scriptures and shared her love of God’s word with others.

Deb will be remembered for her many fine qualities, including her patient and gentle nature. She brought comfort to many through her kind and mild spirit and her sense of humor diffused many tough situations over the years. But most of all, Deb will be remembered for her loyal love of family, friends, and heavenly father Jehovah God.

Deb was preceded in death by her mother Leola Rickenburg. She is survived by husband James McCarthy, daughter Wendy Philyaw, son in law Gregory Philyaw, granddaughter Brittany Martin, brother Wayne Holcomb, sister in law Judi Holcomb, nieces and nephews Michelle (&Dennis) Kontz, Bridgette Throop, Mary Steele, Ann Holmes, Danny (&Donna) Steele, Lori (& Brian) Vilmer, Lisa Steele, Missy (&Jerry) Lufcy, and Joan Steele.

Memorial service will be held on Friday 6/2/17 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2001 Old Middleburg Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32210

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deb’s memory to Cancer Specialists of North Florida’s Patient Assistance Foundation at www.PAFCSNF.org .