Our precious mother, Deborah Ruth New of Stockbridge, Georgia, passed away at the age of 72 on December 15, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Terry New of 47 years, four children, Matthew, Timothy (Meghan), Bethany Kingsley (Stuart), and Nathanael, and four grandchildren.

Debbie was born to Irvin and Elinor Dawson on November 29, 1953, in Sacramento, California where they were home missionaries. She decided that she wanted to be in children’s ministry, and she earned her degree in Christian education while at Southern Baptist Seminary. While attending SBTS, she met her husband Terry and they were inseparable after that. She and dad started their ministry in Ohio, then moved to Buffalo, New York, and then finally ended up in the Atlanta Georgia area where they raised a family. Debbie became an elementary teacher at Mt. Zion Christian Academy in 1988 where her kids could attend and get a Christian education. She continued to work as an educator for the rest of her adult life until she retired from Strong Rock Christian School in 2023.

She loved her family very much and cherished her time with all of them. She held many titles over the years: Mrs. New, Mother, and her favorite, Mimi given to her by her grandchildren. She was also very active in her church and was able to fill in various roles such as teaching Sunday school, working with children, and playing the piano. She never met a stranger and loved talking with everyone she came in contact. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, as this mission fund was one that Debbie gave to each Christmas since she was a child.

 https://www.imb.org/generosity/lottie-moon-christmas-offering