Funeral arrangements set for Mrs. Deborah Gail Green Gorney

Funeral arrangements have been set for former educator Deborah Gail Green Gorney. Gorney passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 75. She taught at Warren Central High School for 39 years.

Visitation will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home at 5000 Indiana Ave. in Vicksburg, MS on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, from 10-12 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m.

Obituary:

Deborah Gail Green Gorney, age 75, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. Her loving husband and sons were with her holding her hands. She was the beloved wife of James “Jim” Gorney and the loving mother of Drew (Kristin) of Madison, MS and Paul Gorney of Vicksburg, MS. Her three grandchildren, Ella Grace, Benton, and Georgia Gorney brought her so much joy. She is survived by her brother Michael Green (Lynn) of Ridgeland, MS and their two children Kelly Haggard and Benton Green. She was preceded in death by her parents Benton Halbert and Bobbie McDaniel Green and her older sister Pam who died as an infant.

Debbie was born on December 28, 1949, in Munich, Germany. Her father was stationed there after World War II. Debbie and her family moved back to Vicksburg to her father’s family home on Washington Street. She attended Carr Central Junior High and graduated from Cooper High School where she made lifelong friends.

After graduation, she attended the University of Southern Mississippi and obtained a master’s in foreign Languages. While at USM, Debbie met the love of her life, Jim. The two were a perfect match both sharing a love for travel and European culture. After graduation, they returned to Vicksburg and were married in August 1972. They had a beautiful wedding and reception on Fort Hill in the Vicksburg National Military Park at the Ferris’ home.

Debbie was a passionate and dedicated educator. She taught French, German and English for 39 years at Warren Central High School receiving the Star Teacher award during her career. Over the years, she took several groups to Europe and loved sharing the culture with her students. She gained lifelong friends with several teachers who meant the world to her, both inside and outside the school. She cherished these women, and the time they shared. She also enjoyed her bridge and book clubs. Debbie and Jim built their home together in Sherwood Forest where they raised their two children, Drew and Paul. Debbie loved her home, and all its many windows. She took much pride in her rose garden while always having the knack for beautiful flower arrangements no matter the occasion. She had an eye for decorating and took much joy in finding perfect items at auctions, estate sales, and antique shops to decorate her home and others. She was a beautiful writer and found great delight in meeting new people. She certainly was a conversationalist who had a special way of letting others be heard while also being there for those in need.

Her favorite extra-curricular was watching her boys play soccer, baseball, tennis, and football. She loved to watch them play and was quite the trooper, no matter the weather or distance. If you heard someone cheering loudly for her boys’ team, it was probably Debbie.

Throughout her lifetime, traveling, cooking and time spent with family and friends, were so dear to her heart. She loved fiercely and always took time to tell the people in her life how much she loved them. One of her favorite quotes was “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”In 2012, Debbie suffered a massive stroke. Although she lost her ability to walk, Debbie did not let this diminish her passion for life. She fought hard and overcame tremendous health challenges. She was cared for by her devoted husband, sons, and numerous caretakers at her home. The family would like to give a special thanks who all those prayed, wrote, cared for, or stopped by the house over the years. You made her Jim smile, and most importantly, made Debbie feel loved. A closing, short-hand salutation that Debbie used frequently was an “I Love You” in her writings to loved ones. To this end, Debbie, Mom, and dear friend, We Loved You More.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Children’s of MS Hospital.

Visitation will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home 5000 Indiana Ave. in Vicksburg, MS on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, from 10-12 p.m. with funeral services following at 12 p.m.