Debra Mathis Barker age 70 of Paris, TN, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.
Debbie worked for many years as a dispatcher in Paris and Henry County. She was member of the Church of Christ. She enjoyed visiting and spending time in the mountains. Her passion in life was being an active member of Paris Henry County Rescue Squad having recently received the designation of Lifetime Member.
Born June 24, 1955, in Paris, she was the daughter of the late Max Lenton Mathis and Mary Evelyn Paschall Mathis who survives Paris.
Along with her mother, Debbie is also survived by her three children, US Air Force Col. Brock (Amanda) Barker, who currently is stationed in Missouri, Beth (Adam) Killion of Paris, and Becky (Chris) Hutson of Paris; six grandchildren, Xander Williams, Alyssa (Nate) Slater, Katlyn (Dylan) Vinson, Carli Hutson, Mathis Hutson, and Reece (fiancée Saiylor Beecham) Killion; and two great grandchildren, Dalton Vinson, and Daxon Johnson; a sister, Patti Owen of Paris, and a brother, Ricky (Toni) Mathis of Springville, TN.
In addition to her father, a sister, Janet DeBruce preceded her in death.
Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./ P. O Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 12:00 until 2:00 pm with her funeral service to be held Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with John Dale and Randy Stephens officiating.
Members of the Paris Henry County Rescue will serve as pallbearers.
Burial will follow in the Olive Branch Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be made to the Paris Henry County Rescue Squad or the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department.