Deborah Ann Gilbert Temple, 72, of Raymond, MS, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Debbie was a beautiful loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and mentor whose life was defined by compassion, strength, faith and an unwavering dedication to her family and others. Born on July 23, 1953, in Jackson, Mississippi to Roland and Frances Gilbert, she attended Central High School as part of the Class of 1971 and later graduated from McCluer Academy. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi College, laying the foundation to a lifelong calling to care for others.

Her passion for caring for others started when she became a Surgical Tech at The University of Ms Medical Center in 1978 and inspired her to become a Registered Nurse. She devoted her professional life to nursing as a surgical nurse at St. Dominic Hospital, Director of Surgical Services at Baptist Medical Center and later as a deeply respected nursing instructor at Hinds Community College, where she retired after many years of faithful service. Debbie touched countless lives through knowledge, skill, kindness, compassion and encouragement that she gave so freely. She helped shape the next generation of nurses, leaving behind a legacy that will continue far beyond her years. She deeply loved and adored each of her students.

Debbie had many talents and passions. She was a brilliant seamstress and found great joy in sewing. She loved planting and tending to her flowers, cooking family dinners, decorating, shopping as if it were an olympic sport, traveling, spending time with her children, grandbabies and great-grandbabies and singing. She had the most beautiful Alto voice and recorded a gospel album with a group at First Baptist Church of Jackson in her younger years. Growing up a member of Daniel Memorial Baptist Church, her faith in God and Jesus Christ was unwavering. Debbie also loved serving as President of the Jackson Central High School Alumni Association where her commitment reflected her desire to bring people together in fellowship and remembrance.

Her entire heart was her family. She was married to the love of her life, Nicki Joe Temple, for 43 years. In his illness, Debbie poured her heart and soul into caring for him, embodying the compassion and selflessness that defined her life. Her family was her greatest joy and a true testament to the life she lived and love she shared. Her legacy will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, cherished and always remembered as the heart of her family and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Frances Gilbert and her precious grandson, Ayden Charles Temple.

She is survived by her husband, Nicki Joe Temple; two children, Tiffany Temple Wilson(Steve) of Brandon and Bobby Temple of Pineville; brother, Ronald Gilbert of Montgomery, AL; brother-in-law, Homer Temple(Sara) of Canyon Country, Ca; five grandchildren, James Brumfield(Adrienne), Fallon Westerfield(Curtis), Alix Buckhalter(Jeremy), Mallory Mashburn, Haley Money(Zachary); six great-grandchildren, Cullen Brumfield, Lindsey Westerfield, Tenley Buckhalter, Rayner Brumfield, Brooklyn Westerfield, Bentley Buckhalter; aunt, Waudeena Carr; nieces, nephews, many amazing cousins and her best friend, Pam Turpin of Weatherford, TX.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Baptist Hospice and specifically their nurse Sam, Ms. Linda and Brother Johnny Sanders. We love and thank you beyond measure.

Pallbearers- James Brumfield, Curtis Westerfield, Kevin Lewis, Kirby Lewis, Mitch Carr, Dwight Sorey

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at Ott and Lee Funeral Home Brandon from 5:00 til 8:00pm and Wednesday, April 29, from 1:00 til 2:00pm. Services will be Wednesday, April 29, at 2:00pm in the Chapel at Ott and Lee followed by a graveside service at Lakeland Place Memorial Park.