Debbie Griffin Barrs, age 67, of Cochran, Georgia, passed away on April 29, 2021 at her home surrounded by family. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Cochran with Reverend Dr. Bill Woodson officiating.

Debbie was born in Macon, Georgia on November 14, 1953. She was the daughter of the late Lemuel Duane "Jack" and Doris Pritchett Griffin and was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Elaine Griffin. She graduated from Cochran High School in 1971, where she was voted Homecoming Queen. Following graduation, Debbie attended Middle Georgia College receiving an Associate's Degree and continued her education at the University of Georgia, receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Debbie was married to Sam Barrs of Cochran on June 29, 1975. Debbie faithfully stood by her husband's side for 46 years.

Debbie worked as a teacher for 30 years. She began her teaching career in Cochran, Georgia. Sam and Debbie moved to Fayetteville, Georgia for Sam to chase his coaching dreams. She then began teaching at Fayetteville Elementary. Sam later received a job in private business that moved the pair to Athens, Georgia where Debbie taught at Oglethorpe Elementary. After her father became ill, Sam and Debbie wanted to move closer to home. Sam received a coaching job in Dodge County and Debbie taught Special Education at Dodge County High School. Years later, the pair moved to Cordele, Georgia where Debbie enjoyed teaching at Southwestern Elementary. The bulk of her teaching career was spent in the Dublin City Schools System where she taught at Central Elementary, Moore Street Elementary and Susie Dasher Elementary. She was voted "Teacher of the Year" many times during her tenure in the Dublin City Schools System. Debbie retired and closed out her teaching career in Bleckley County where she began many years prior. She spent 30 wonderful years mentoring, teaching and loving her students.

Debbie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when they gathered on Saturday nights. She was a devoted grandmother and always looked forward to keeping and playing with her grandchildren. Debbie was a member of First United Methodist Church. She loved to serve others and enjoyed spending time helping others in the community or putting a smile on someone's face. Her happy place was the beach. She enjoyed spending hours and hours sitting on the beach soaking in all of God's creation.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Sam Barrs of Cochran; children, Bryan (Molly) Barrs of Bluffton, South Carolina, Mollie (John) Beckworth of Dublin; grandchildren, Jack and Sam Barrs of Bluffton, South Carolina, Hutson and Ellie Beckworth of Dublin; siblings, L. Duane (Dianne) Griffin Jr. of Macon, Connie Barrs Howard of Ohatchee, Alabama, Cathy (Bill) Coody of Cochran, Craig (Annie) Barrs of Atlanta, Laura (Jackie) Bowen of Cochran; nieces and nephews, Tim (Tracy) Lord of Ohatchee, Alabama, Liz (Ky) Dykes of Cochran, BJ (Kari) Coody of Cochran, Lauren (Ross) Nelson of Atlanta, Brett (Allie) Bowen of Charlotte, North Carolina, Brittney (Brock) Bailey of Cochran, Jordan Barrs of Atlanta, Dawn (Chuck) Thompson of Macon, Dana (Ash) Walker of Macon, Danielle (Mark) Miller of Roswell; great nieces and great nephews, Hallie Johnson of Ohatchee, Alabama, Anna Grace and Walker Dykes of Cochran, Edy and Cooper Coody of Cochran, Sadie Bowen of Charlotte, North Carolina, Bowen and Emmie Banks Bailey of Cochran, Chet, Lem and Quince Thompson of Macon, Ava and Cal Walker of Macon,  Kate and Haze Miller of Roswell and two more on the way, and other family and friends.

Memorials can be made to Cochran First United Methodist Church, PO Box 87, Cochran, GA 31014 and to the American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry St, Macon, GA 31201.

The family is at 234 Ann Street in Cochran and will greet friends after the service at the church.